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:

私は彼女の愛を感じる。

Watashi wa kanojo no ai wo kanjiru

I feel her love.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 - The noun that means "she" in Japanese is "彼女" (kanojo).
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "love" belongs to "her"
• 愛 - The noun that means "love" in Japanese is "愛" (ai).
• を - direct object particle that indicates that "love" is the object of the action
• 感じる - The verb that means "to feel" in Japanese is "感じる" (kanjiru).

私は髪を束ねました。

Watashi wa kami o tabanemashita

I tied my hair.

I used my hair.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 髪 - noun that means "hair" in Japanese.
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 束ねました - verb meaning "to tie into a bun" in Japanese, conjugated in the past tense

私の予想は正しかった。

Watashi no yosou wa tadashikatta

My forecast was correct.

My expectation was right.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 予想 - noun meaning "forecast" or "expectation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正しかった - verb in the past that means "I was correct" or "I got it right"

私の旦那はとても優しいです。

Watashi no danna wa totemo yasashii desu

My husband is very kind.

• 私 - Personal pronoun meaning "I".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 旦那 - Noun meaning "husband".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 優しい - Adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind".
• です - A linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject.

私は新しいプロジェクトを手掛ける予定です。

Watashi wa atarashii purojekuto o tegakeru yotei desu

I am planning to take on a new project.

I intend to work on a new project.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 手掛ける - verb that means "to deal with" or "to take on"
• 予定 - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です - verb to be in the present, which indicates the affirmation of the sentence

私の学級はとても楽しいです。

Watashi no gakkyū wa totemo tanoshii desu

My classroom is a lot of fun.

My class is really fun.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 学級 - noun that means "class" or "group"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 楽しい - adjective that means "fun" or "pleasant"
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the present

私の夫はとても優しいです。

Watashi no otto wa totemo yasashii desu

My husband is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 夫 - noun meaning "husband"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です - a verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of expressing oneself in Japanese

私の母はとても優しいです。

Watashi no haha wa totemo yasashii desu

My mother is very kind.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 母 - noun meaning "mother"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "my mother"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "gentle" or "kind"
• です - verb that indicates the state or action, in this case, "is" or "are"

私の胸はいつもあなたを思い出します。

Watashi no mune wa itsumo anata o omoidashimasu

My heart always remembers you.

My breasts always remember you.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 胸 - noun meaning "chest" or "heart"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも - adverb meaning "always"
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 思い出します - verb that means "remember" or "recall"

私のスケジュールはいつも慌ただしいです。

Watashi no sukejuru wa itsumo awatadashii desu

My schedule is always agitated.

My schedule is always busy.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "de" in English
• スケジュール - borrowed word from English that means "agenda" or "schedule"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about" in Portuguese
• いつも - adverb meaning "always"
• 慌ただしい - adjective that means "agitated" or "busy"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form