Translation and Meaning of: し - shi

The Japanese word し (shi) is a short term, but full of nuances and interesting uses in the Japanese language. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding the meaning and context of this word can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore from the basics, like its translation and writing, to deeper aspects, such as its cultural usage and frequency in daily life. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, is a great tool to complement your learning.

In addition to being a grammatical particle and a common suffix, し also appears in expressions and even in Japanese proverbs. Its simplicity hides a wealth of meanings that vary according to the context. Let's unravel all of this clearly and directly, without unnecessary complications.

Meaning and uses of the word し

In its most basic form, し can be translated as "and" or "besides" when used as a particle. It connects sentences or ideas, adding a tone of enumeration or justification. For example, in a sentence like "寒いし、疲れたし、家に帰りたい" (Samui shi, tsukareta shi, ie ni kaeritai), the translation would be "It's cold, I'm tired and I want to go home." Here, し helps to list reasons naturally.

Another common use of し is as a suffix in words like 願いし (negaishi) or 思し (omoishi), although these cases are rarer in modern Japanese. It is worth noting that, unlike other particles, し carries a nuance of emphasis, often indicating that there are more reasons beyond those mentioned. This subtlety may go unnoticed by beginners, but it is essential for a more advanced mastery of the language.

The origin and writing of し

The word し is written in hiragana, one of the Japanese syllabaries, but it also corresponds to the kanji 死, which means "death." However, it is important to highlight that the use of the kanji 死 to represent し is restricted to specific contexts, such as compound words or expressions. Most of the time, especially when functioning as a particle, し appears in hiragana to avoid ambiguities.

Regarding its origin, し comes from Old Japanese and has roots in Classical language. Its evolution has accompanied the grammatical simplification of the language over the centuries. Although it is not one of the oldest particles, its use became established during the Edo period, when the Japanese language underwent various structural changes. Today, it is a common word both in everyday speech and in informal writing.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing し

An interesting fact about し is that, although it seems simple, many Japanese learners take time to realize its function of connecting ideas with emphasis. A helpful tip for memorizing its use is to associate it with situations where you want to list reasons or justify something. For example, when explaining why you didn't leave the house, saying "雨だし、忙しいし" (Ame da shi, isogashii shi) sounds more natural than simply listing the facts without the particle.

Moreover, し often appears in dialogues of animes and dramas, which can aid in learning. Paying attention to how characters use this particle in emotional or explanatory contexts is a practical way to absorb its meaning. Suki Nihongo provides real examples of sentences with し, making it easier to understand its application in daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 四 (shi) - four
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• 志 (shi) - Determination; aspiration
• 士 (shi) - Samurai; warrior
• 仕 (shi) - Service; work
• 死 (shi) - Death
• 私 (shi) - Private; I (pronoun)
• 始 (shi) - Start; begin
• 子 (shi) - Son; child
• 指 (shi) - Pointing; finger
• 持 (ji) - Possess; hold
• 試 (shi) - Test; to experiment
• 旨 (shi) - Purpose; intention
• 誌 (shi) - Record; annals
• 織 (shiki) - Weave; fabric
• 視 (shi) - Vision; gaze
• 紫 (shi) - Purple
• 湿 (shitsu) - damp
• 摯 (shi) - Sincere feeling; deep
• 雌 (shi) - Female; woman
• 詩人 (shijin) - poet
• 資格 (shikaku) - Qualification; condition
• 指導 (shidou) - Guidance; leadership

し

Romaji: shi
Kana: し
Type: Letter
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: 10^24 (Kanji is Jis X 0212 Kuten 4906); Settillion (American); Quadrillion (British)

Meaning in English: 10^24 (kanji is JIS X 0212 kuten 4906);septillion (American);quadrillion (British)

Definition: shi [automatic] 1. Appear alone, without worrying about anything else. say. "Please be considerate." 2 Pretending to know. “Even though I'm good at this, I'm not as good as him.” 3 Bring it out. "I complained about the title." 【other】 1 Ask. Visit. "There is nothing you don't understand. I'm thinking of trying..." 2 Ask. Ask questions and ask questions. "This is a subject where you should use your wisdom in the best way possible." 3. Ask the other person by phone or letter. "How are you? Let's meet."

Example Sentences - (し) shi

See below some example sentences:

条約は国家間の合意を示します。

Jouyaku wa kokka-kan no gōi o shimeshimasu.

The treaty shows an agreement between nations.

• 条約 (jōyaku) - treaty
• 国家 (kokka) - nations, countries
• 間 (kan) - between
• 合意 (gōi) - agreement
• 示します (shimeshimasu) - show, represent

香辛料を使って料理を作りました。

Kōshinryō o tsukatte ryōri o tsukurimashita

I made a meal using spices.

I cooked using spices.

• 香辛料 - Spice
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using
• 料理 - cuisine
• を - direct object particle
• 作りました - he did

連なる山々は美しい景色を作り出す。

Rennaru yamayama wa utsukushii keshiki o tsukuridasu

The rows of mountains create a beautiful landscape.

The changing mountains create beautiful landscapes.

• 連なる - means "in a row" or "in sequence".
• 山々 - means "mountains" (the repeated kanji 山 indicates plurality).
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "the mountains in sequence".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 景色 - Noun that means "landscape" or "view".
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "beautiful landscape" is the object of the action.
• 作り出す - verb meaning "create" or "produce".

違えることは人間らしいことだ。

Chigae ru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

Making mistakes is human.

Different is human.

• 違えること - action of making mistakes or failures
• は - Topic particle
• 人間らしいこと - typical human behavior
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

都会での生活は忙しいです。

Tokai de no seikatsu wa isogashii desu

Life in the city is hectic.

City life is busy.

• 都会 (tokai) - means big city or metropolis
• で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 生活 (seikatsu) - means everyday life or lifestyle
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 忙しい (isogashii) - means busy or agitated
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

鉄棒で運動するのは楽しいです。

Tetsubou de undou suru no wa tanoshii desu

It's fun to do exercises with the iron bar.

It's fun to work out with a horizontal bar.

• 鉄棒 (てつぼう) - iron bar
• で - particle that indicates the means or instrument used
• 運動する (うんどうする) - exercise
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 楽しい (たのしい) - Fun, pleasurable
• です - verb to be in the polite form

青白い肌が美しいです。

Aojiroi hada ga utsukushii desu

Pale skin is beautiful.

Pale skin is beautiful.

• 青白い (aojirai) - pale, whitish
• 肌 (hada) - pele
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 美しい (utsukushii) - pretty, beautiful
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

靴の底が剥げてしまった。

Kutsu no soko ga hageru shite shimatta

The sole of the shoe peeled.

The bottom of the shoes peeled.

• 靴 (kutsu) - Shoe
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 底 (soko) - sole
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 剥げてしまった (hagete shimatta) - completely peeled off/worn off

頂点を目指して努力し続ける。

Chouten wo mezashite doryoku shitsuzukeru

Keep striving to reach the top.

Keep aiming for the top.

• 頂点 - top, peak
• を - direct object particle
• 目指して - To aim, to have as a goal
• 努力 - effort, commitment
• し続ける - keep doing

領収書を発行してください。

ryoushuusho wo hakkou shite kudasai

Please issue a receipt.

Please issue a receipt.

• 領収書 - receipt
• を - direct object particle
• 発行 - emit
• して - auxiliary verb form "suru" (to do)
• ください - Please