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:

間々に休憩を取りましょう。

Mamama ni kyuukei wo torimashou

Let's take regular breaks.

Let's take a coffee break.

• 間々に - adverb that means "every now and then"
• 休憩 - noun meaning "pause", "rest"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 取りましょう - verb that means "let's take off," "let's do"

間違えることは人間らしい。

Machigaeru koto wa ningen rashii

To err is human.

It seems human to make a mistake.

• 間違える - verb that means "to err"
• こと - noun that means "thing"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 人間 - noun that means "human being"
• らしい - suffix that indicates "seems to be" or "characteristic of"

降伏するしかない。

Koufuku suru shika nai

There is no other choice but to surrender.

I have no choice but to surrender.

• 降伏する - surrender, surrender in surrender
• しかない - have no choice, have no other option

降水量が多い日は傘を持って出かけましょう。

Kousuiryou ga ooi hi wa kasa wo motte dekakemashou

Go out with an umbrella on days when there is a lot of rainfall.

• 降水量 - amount of rain
• が - subject particle
• 多い - very
• 日 - day
• は - Topic particle
• 傘 - umbrella
• を - object particle
• 持って - load
• 出かけましょう - let's go out

隠居したいです。

Onkyo shitai desu

I want to retire.

• 隠居 - Means "retirement" or "retreat" in Japanese.
• したい - is a form of the verb "want" in Japanese, indicating that the person wants something.
• です - is a finishing particle in Japanese, which indicates that the sentence is in the present tense and is formal.

集合しましょう。

Shuugou shimashou

Let's get together.

• 集合 (shuugou) - It means "meeting" or "gathering"
• しましょう (shimashou) - It is a polite way of saying "let's do"

雨が止むまで待ちましょう。

Ame ga yamu made machimashou

Let's wait until the rain stops.

Wait until the rain stops.

• 雨 - It means "rain" in Japanese.
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 止む - verb meaning "stop" in Japanese
• まで - Particle indicating "until" in Japanese
• 待ち - verb meaning "wait" in Japanese
• ましょう - Polite and polite way of the verb "esperar" in Japanese

雪崩が起こる前に避難しましょう。

Yukinami ga okoru mae ni hinan shimashou

Evacuate before the avalanche occurs.

• 雪崩 - avalanche
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito da frase
• 起こる - ocorrer
• 前に - before
• 避難 - evacuação
• しましょう - vamos fazer

電車が発車しました。

Densha ga hassha shimashita

The train left.

• 電車 - train
• が - subject particle
• 発車 - Match
• しました - past tense of the verb "to do"

電車が停車しました。

Densha ga teisha shimashita

The train stopped.

• 電車 - means "train" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 停車 - means "stop" in Japanese.
• しました - past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese.