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:

私たちは新しい住まいを探しています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii sumai o sagashiteimasu

We are looking for a new home.

We are looking for a new home.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• 住まい - "House" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 探しています - "We are looking" in Japanese

私たちは探検に出かけました。

Watashitachi wa tanken ni dekakemashita

We went to an exploration expedition.

We went to exploration.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 探検 - "Exploração" in Japanese
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the target or destination of an action
• 出かけました - "Saímos" in Japanese

私たちは生き生きとした人生を送りたいです。

Watashitachi wa ikiiki to shita jinsei o okuritai desu

We want to live a lively life.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 生き生きとした - "Vibrant" or "lively" in Japanese.
• 人生を - "Life" in Japanese
• 送りたいです - "We want to send" in Japanese.

私たちは来週パーティーを催します。

Watashitachi wa raishū pātī o moyasu shimasu

We will hold a party next week.

We will have a party next week.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 来週 - "next week" in Japanese
• パーティー - party in Japanese, written in katakana (Japanese writing system for foreign words)
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 催します - "carry out" or "organize" in Japanese

私たちは離れることを決めました。

Watashitachi wa hanareru koto o kimemashita

We decided to separate.

We decided to leave.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 離れる - "se separar" em japonês é "別れる" (wakaru).
• ことを - particle that indicates the object of the action in Japanese
• 決めました - decidimos

私たちは常に成長し続けなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni seichō shitsuzukena nakereba narimasen

We must always continue to grow.

We must always grow.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 常に - adverb "always"
• 成長 - noun "growth"
• し - particle indicating continuation of action
• 続け - "to continue"
• なければなりません - expression that indicates obligation or necessity

私たちは川で合流しました。

Watashitachi wa kawa de gōryū shimashita

We meet at the river.

We join the river.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 川で - "in the river"
• 合流しました - verb "found oneself", in the past

私たちは音楽に興じる。

Watashitachi wa ongaku ni kyoujiru

We have fun with music.

We play music.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 音楽に - "Para a música" translates to "For the music" in English.
• 興じる - "To get excited" in Japanese

私の目覚まし時計は毎日少しずつずれる。

Watashi no mezamashi tokei wa mainichi sukoshi zutsu zureru

My alarm clock is a little late every day.

My alarm clock changes gradually every day.

• 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
• 目覚まし時計 - "despertador" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 毎日 - "todos os dias" in Japanese
• 少しずつ - "pouco a pouco" in Japanese
• ずれる - "deslocar-se" in Japanese

私たちは暖まるために火を使いました。

Watashitachi wa atatamaru tame ni hi o tsukaimashita

We use fire to warm ourselves.

We use fire to warm up.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 暖まる - "to warm up"
• ために - particle that indicates "to"
• 火 - noun "fire"
• を - Direct object particle
• 使いました - verb "to use" conjugated in the past tense