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:

明日の天気予報を確認しました。

Ashita no tenki yohou wo kakunin shimashita

I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow.

I checked the weather forecast for tomorrow.

• 明日の - tomorrow
• 天気 - time
• 予報 - forecast
• を - object particle
• 確認 - confirmation
• しました - made

木材が湿気で反ってしまった。

Mokuzai ga shikke de sorotte shimatta

The wood has warped due to moisture.

The wood was warped with moisture.

• 木材 - Means "wood" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 湿気 - means "moisture" in Japanese.
• で - location particle in Japanese.
• 反ってしまった - is the past form of the verb 反る (sorou), which means "to bow" or "to bend", and the particle しまった (shimatta) indicates that the action was completed in a negative way.

桜が咲く春は美しいです。

Sakura ga saku haru wa utsukushii desu

The spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom is beautiful.

The spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom are beautiful.

• 桜 (さくら) - cherry blossom
• が - subject particle
• 咲く (さく) - to blossom
• 春 (はる) - spring
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい (うつくしい) - pretty, beautiful
• です - polite way of being

楽しみにしています。

Tanoshimi ni shiteimasu

I am anxious/anxious.

Looking forward to it.

• 楽しみにしています - Japanese sentence
• 楽しみ - kanji that means "fun" or "pleasure"
• に - particle that indicates the target or objective of the action
• しています - Polite form of the verb する (suru), which means "to do"

流石に素晴らしいですね。

Sasuga ni subarashii desu ne

As expected

It is wonderful.

• 流石に (sasuga ni) - expression that means "as expected" or "indeed"
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of speech
• ね (ne) - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a search for confirmation

涼しい風が心地よいです。

Suzushii kaze ga kokochi yoi desu

A brisa fresca é agradável.

The cold breeze is comfortable.

• 涼しい - fresco
• 風 - wind
• が - subject particle
• 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

復旧作業が完了しました。

Fukkyū sagyō ga kanryō shimashita

The recovery operation has completed.

The recovery job has been completed.

• 復旧作業 - restoration work
• が - subject particle
• 完了 - conclusion, finalization
• しました - past form of the verb "suru" (to do)

惜しいですね。

Oshii desu ne

It is a shame.

Sorry.

• 惜しい - means "pitiful" or "pity"
• です - is a particle that indicates a polite or respectful way of speaking
• ね - is a particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation

握りしめる力強さが大切です。

Nigirishimeru chikaradzuyosa ga taisetsu desu

The force of holding firmly is important.

The strength to understand is important.

• 握りしめる - Verb that means "to squeeze tightly in the hand".
• 力強さ - Noun that means "strength, vigor, robustness".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important, valuable, precious".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful way of expressing an idea.

日焼けした肌が美しいです。

Nisshoku shita hada ga utsukushii desu

Tanned skin is beautiful.

Tanned skin is beautiful.

• 日焼けした - means "tanned"
• 肌 - means "skin"
• が - subject particle
• 美しい - means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form