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:

このアニメは原作に忠実です。

Kono anime wa gensaku ni chūjitsu desu

This anime is faithful to the original.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• アニメ - noun meaning "animation"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 原作 - noun meaning "original work" or "source"
• に - particle that indicates action or destination
• 忠実 - adjective meaning "faithful" or "loyal"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence

その外には何があるのか知りません。

Sono soto ni wa nani ga aru no ka shirimasen

I don't know what's beyond that.

I don't know what's out there.

• その - demonstrative pronoun "that"
• 外に - adverb of place "outside"
• は - Topic particle
• 何 - interrogative pronoun "what"
• が - subject particle
• ある - verb "to exist"
• のか - interrogative particle
• 知りません - verb "not to know"

修学は人生を豊かにする。

Shuugaku wa jinsei wo yutaka ni suru

The study enriches life.

Studies enrich life.

• 修学 - means "study" or "learning".
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "修学".
• 人生 - means "human life."
• を - object particle that indicates that "人生" is the direct object of the sentence.
• 豊か - means "rich" or "abundant".
• に - particle that indicates that "豊か" is an adjective that modifies "人生".
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish".

原典は古代の重要な文書です。

Genten wa kodai no juuyou na bunsho desu

The original is an important document from ancient times.

• 原典 (genten) - means "original text" or "primary source" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 古代 (kodai) - It means "ancient" or "primitive" in Japanese.
• の (no) - Possession particle in Japanese
• 重要な (juuyouna) - means "important" in Japanese, followed by the adjective particle な (na)
• 文書 (bunsho) - It means "document" or "written" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - polite way to be/act in Japanese

国語は日本語の中でも特に重要な言語です。

Kokugo wa Nihongo no naka demo toku ni juuyou na gengo desu

Language is a particularly important language in Japanese.

• 国語 - national language
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possession particle
• 中でも - among them
• 特に - Especially
• 重要な - important
• 言語 - Tongue
• です - verb to be in the polite form

土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

• 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

外出する予定があります。

Gaishutsu suru yotei ga arimasu

I have plans to leave.

I intend to leave.

• 外出する - verb meaning "to leave home"
• 予定 - noun meaning "plan, program"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb meaning "to have, to exist"

天災は人間の力では防ぎきれない自然の力です。

Tensai wa ningen no chikara de wa fusegikirenai shizen no chikara desu

Natural disaster is a natural power that cannot be prevented by human power.

• 天災 - Natural Disasters
• は - Topic particle
• 人間 - Human being
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• では - particle indicating negation or restriction
• 防ぎきれない - cannot be completely prevented
• 自然 - nature
• の - Possessive particle
• 力 - power, strength
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

学習は人生を豊かにする。

Gakushuu wa jinsei wo yutaka ni suru

Aprendizado enriquece a vida.

Learning enriches life.

• 学習 - Learning, study
• は - Topic particle
• 人生 - life
• を - direct object particle
• 豊か - rich, abundant
• に - mode particle
• する - to do, to accomplish

審判は公正であるべきだ。

Shinpan wa kousei de aru beki da

The referee must be fair.

• 審判 - referee/judge
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - justice/impartiality
• で - mode particle
• ある - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense
• べき - suffix that indicates obligation/ necessity
• だ - verb "to be" in the present (casual form)