あれ
are[a̠ɾe̞]
In Japanese, "that one" is translated as あれ (are).
あれ is a pronoun used to refer to a specified object. It is specifically used when the object being discussed is located far away from both the speaker and the listener.
Meaning: specified object (pron)
Which one should you use?
While あれ is used for an object that is far from both the speaker and the listener, それ is used for "that one" when the object is near the listener.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word あれ functions as a pronoun and does not change its form based on the number of objects being referenced.
How do you pronounce it?
are
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word あれ can sometimes be used to refer to a person's name when the speaker is trying to be vague or is struggling to remember it.
- The word あれ has an ancient ancestor, the pronoun 'are', which was once used to mean 'I' or 'me' in archaic Japanese.
- Because あれ refers to things far from both people, using it to describe something right in front of the listener can be perceived as a social snub or a way of creating emotional distance.
Examples in context
- これとあれは同じ長さです。This one and that one are the same length.This sentence is useful for comparing the lengths of two objects using あれ.Tatoeba #218746 by small_snow, translation #12602160 by CK
- これとあれ、両方買います。I'll buy both this one and that one.This sentence is useful for expressing the intent to buy both two objects, including あれ.Tatoeba #10617805 by small_snow, translation #8768441 by AlanF_US
- これとあれ、両方とも欲しいな。I want both this one and that one.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for both two objects, including あれ.Tatoeba #10286241 by small_snow, translation #8768731 by AlanF_US
- あの方は誰ですか？Who is that person?
- あの品は何ですか？What is that thing?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are looking at items in a store window.
- 結衣 Yuiあれ、すごく可愛くない？Are, sugoku kawaikunai?Isn't that one really cute?
- 蓮 Ren本当だね。あれ、おしゃれだよ。Hontou dane. Are, oshare dayo.You're right. That one is stylish.
- 結衣 Yui蓮くん、あれも見てみて！Ren-kun, are mo mite mite!Ren, look at that one too!
- 蓮 Renうん、あれもいい感じだね。Un, are mo ii kanji dane.Yeah, that one looks good too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “that one” translations and entries あれ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries あれ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
