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:

見逃すと後悔するかもしれない。

Minogasu to koukai suru kamoshirenai

You may regret if you lose.

• 見逃す - verb that means "to lose sight of," "to let go unnoticed"
• と - particle that indicates a condition or consequence
• 後悔する - compound verb that means "to regret", "to feel remorse"
• かもしれない - expression that means "may be", "perhaps"

見苦しい光景を目にするのは嫌だ。

Mikurushii koukei wo me ni suru no wa iya da

I don't want to see an ugly view.

• 見苦しい - an adjective that means "ugly" or "unpleasant to look at"
• 光景 - noun that means "scene" or "panorama"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 目にする - verb that means "see" or "witness"
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 嫌だ - expression that means "hate" or "dislike"

視点を変えることで新しい発見がある。

Shiten wo kaeru koto de atarashii hakken ga aru

Changing the point of view can lead to new discoveries.

There is a new discovery by changing the point of view.

• 視点 (shiten) - point of view
• を (wo) - object particle
• 変える (kaeru) - change/alter
• ことで (koto de) - through
• 新しい (atarashii) - new
• 発見 (hakken) - discovery
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist/have

観光は日本の文化を体験する素晴らしい方法です。

Kankou wa Nihon no bunka o taiken suru subarashii houhou desu

Tourism is a great way to experience Japanese culture.

• 観光 - Tourism
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possessive particle
• 文化 - culture
• を - direct object particle
• 体験する - to experiment
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• 方法 - method
• です - be (linking verb)

解剖学を勉強しています。

Kaihōgaku wo benkyō shiteimasu

I'm studying anatomy.

• 解剖学 - study of anatomy
• を - direct object particle
• 勉強 - Study, learning
• しています - Is doing

観覧することは私にとって楽しいです。

Kanran suru koto wa watashi ni totte tanoshii desu

for me

Seeing is fun for me.

• 観覧すること - observe, contemplate
• は - Topic particle
• 私にとって - for me
• 楽しいです - It's fun

計算が完了しました。

Keisan ga kanryou shimashita

The calculation has been completed.

• 計算 - means "calculation" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 完了 - means "completed" or "finished" in Japanese
• しました - past form of the verb "suru", meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

計器を使って測定してください。

Keiki wo tsukatte sokutei shite kudasai

Use the meter to take the measurement.

Measure using an instrument.

• 計器 (keiki) - measuring instrument
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 測定 (sokutei) - measurement
• して (shite) - doing
• ください (kudasai) - Please

話し合いは大切なことです。

Hanashi ai wa taisetsu na koto desu

Negotiation is an important thing.

Discussion is important.

• 話し合い (wahashiai) - Discussion, conversation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• こと (koto) - thing, subject
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

詩人は美しい言葉を紡ぎ出す。

Shijin wa utsukushii kotoba wo tsumugidasu

The poet spins beautiful words.

• 詩人 - poet
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• 言葉 - word
• を - direct object particle
• 紡ぎ出す - weave, create, produce