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:

この書類は交付されました。

Kono shorui wa kofu sare mashita

This document has been delivered.

This document has been issued.

• この - this
• 書類 - Document
• は - Topic particle
• 交付 - emission
• されました - was made

このシャツはぶかぶかすぎる。

Kono shatsu wa bukabuka sugiru

This shirt is too big.

This shirt is too big.

• この - this
• シャツ - shirt
• は - Topic particle
• ぶかぶか - loose, baggy
• すぎる - too much, excessively

この書類には指定されたフォーマットに従って記入してください。

Kono shorui ni wa shitei sareta formatto ni shitagatte kinyuu shite kudasai

Please complete this document in the specified format.

Complete this document according to the specified format.

• この - this
• 書類 - Document
• には - indicates a location or a target
• 指定された - specified
• フォーマット - Format
• に従って - according to
• 記入してください - fill in

この文書を印刷してください。

Kono bunsho wo insatsu shite kudasai

Please print this document.

Print this document.

• この - Japanese word meaning "this"
• 文書 - Japanese word meaning "document"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 印刷 - Japanese word meaning "impression"
• して - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• ください - polite form of the verb "kudasaru" (to give) in the imperative, which indicates a request or request

このコーヒーは冷めてしまった。

Kono kōhī wa samete shimatta

This coffee has cooled down.

This coffee has cooled down.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• コーヒー - noun meaning "coffee"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this coffee"
• 冷めてしまった - verb that means "completely cooled down" or "became too cold"

この部屋のテーブルは長方形の形をしています。

Kono heya no teburu wa chouhoukei no katachi o shite imasu

The table in this room is in the shape of a rectangle.

The table in this room has a rectangular shape.

• この部屋の - indicates that the sentence refers to something inside this quarto
• テーブル - table
• は - partícula that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the table
• 長方形 - Rectangle
• の - partícula that indicates possession, in this case, the shape of the table
• 形 - Form
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, the shape of the table
• しています - verb that indicates that the table has the shape of a rectangle

駄目なことはやめましょう。

Dame na koto wa yamemashou

Let's stop doing useless things.

Let's stop doing anything.

• 駄目 (dame) - means "useless" or "inappropriate"
• な (na) - a particle indicating a negation or restriction
• こと (koto) - means "thing" or "subject"
• は (wa) - a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• やめましょう (yamemashou) - means "let's stop" or "let's stop doing"

高速道路を走るのは楽しいです。

Kousoku douro wo hashiru no wa tanoshii desu

It's fun to drive on a high-speed highway.

It's fun to race on the road.

• 高速道路 - express highway
• を - direct object particle
• 走る - run, drive
• のは - particle that indicates topic
• 楽しい - Fun, pleasant
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

麓には美しい景色が広がっている。

Fumoto ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga hirogatte iru

There is a beautiful view that spreads out at the foot of the mountain.

A beautiful landscape spreads at the foot.

• 麓 (Fumoto) - It means "base" or "foot of a mountain".
• に (ni) - is a particle that indicates the location of something.
• は (wa) - It is a particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 美しい (utsukushii) - means "pretty" or "beautiful".
• 景色 (keshiki) - It means "landscape" or "view".
• が (ga) - It is a particle that marks the subject of the sentence.
• 広がっている (hiroga tte iru) - It is a verbal form that indicates that something is spreading or extending.

麻痺した手で物を持つのは難しいです。

Mahi shita te de mono wo motsu no wa muzukashii desu

It is difficult to hold objects with a paralyzed hand.

It's hard to hold things with paralyzed hands.

• 麻痺した (as a verb) - paralyzed
• 手 - hand
• で - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 物 - object
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 持つ - hold, carry
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - difficult
• です - verb to be in the polite form