Translation and Meaning of: 私 - atashi

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word 私[あたし] and wondered: why are there so many ways to say "I" in this language? This variation, mainly used by women, carries cultural and historical nuances that make it special. In this article, we will explore its etymology, the pictogram of the kanji, how it is used in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it. If you want to understand the origin of this expression or how to apply it in sentences to study in Anki, keep reading!

In the largest Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo, you will find details about writing, practical examples, and even curiosities that go beyond the basics. Here, we will uncover everything from the stroke order of kanji to why あたし sounds softer than other first-person forms. Want to discover why this word is so popular and how to use it without sounding like an anime character? Let's go!

Etymology and Origin of 私 [あたし]

The word 私[あたし] has an interesting history. Originally, the kanji 私 was read as わたくし, a formal way of saying "I." Over time, the pronunciation has changed in colloquial language, especially among women, until reaching the あたし we know today. This evolution reflects the tendency of Japanese to shorten and soften expressions in daily life.

The kanji itself is composed of the radical 禾 (ear of rice) and 厶 (private), suggesting something personal or intimate. No wonder, あたし conveys a more delicate and informal feeling, different from わたし or ぼく. If you've ever heard a female character in a dorama using this form, now you know why!

Use and Popularity in Modern Japanese

While わたし is neutral and can be used by anyone in formal situations, あたし is almost exclusively feminine and sounds more casual. You will hardly hear a man using this variation unless he is playing a role or joking. In groups of friends or informal conversations, many women choose it precisely because it conveys a more relaxed image.

It's worth noting that, although common, あたし is not the best choice in professional settings or when speaking with superiors. In those cases, the classic わたし still prevails. A tip? Pay attention to how female characters in series and manga use this word — it’s a great way to get the right context!

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

To fixate 私[あたし], try associating it with everyday situations. Imagine a friend telling a story: "あたし、昨日映画を見たよ！" ("I saw a movie yesterday!"). The softer sound helps differentiate it from other forms. Another strategy is to create flashcards in Anki with real examples, such as dialogues from dramas or J-pop songs that use this expression.

How about a pun you'll never forget? Think of "あたしは私(わたし)じゃない" ("I'm not 'watashi'"). Playing with the differences in pronunciations can be fun and effective. Finally, note: if you are a man, avoid using あたし unless you are acting — otherwise, it may sound strange to natives. Women, enjoy the naturalness that this word brings!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• わたし (watashi) - I (neutral use, by a woman)
• 僕 (boku) - I (neutral use, usually by men)
• 俺 (ore) - I (informal, masculine)
• 自分 (jibun) - I (reflexive form)
• あたし (atashi) - I (informal, female use)
• うち (uchi) - I (feminine use, colloquial in some regions)
• わたくし (watakushi) - I (formal use)
• おれ (ore) - I (informal use, masculine, variant of 俺)
• おいら (oira) - I (informal use, often in contexts of friends or groups)
• わし (washi) - I (regional usage, typically by elderly men)
• あたい (atai) - I (female, informal, with a connotation of humility)
• あたくし (atakushi) - I (female, formal)
• じぶん (jibun) - I (reflexive form, like 自分)
• てまえ (temae) - I (a way to refer to oneself, usually in formal situations)
• うちら (uchira) - We (informal)
• がくせい (gakusei) - student
• がくしゃ (gakusha) - Scholar, researcher
• がくちょう (gakuchou) - Academic director
• がくれき (gakureki) - Academic transcript
• がくりょくしゃ (gakuryokusha) - Academic specialist
• がくぶ (gakubu) - University, academic department
• がくほう (gakuha) - Academic direction
• がくしゅう (gakushuu) - Learning, study
• がくしょく (gakushoku) - School meals, meals for students
• がくしょう (gakushou) - Academic recognition, award
• がくそう (gakusou) - Academic courses, study plans
• がくもん (gakumon) - Knowledge construction, academia
• がくせん (gakusen) - Education line, academic line

私

Romaji: atashi
Kana: あたし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: I

Meaning in English: I (fem)

Definition: Someone who exposes themselves.

Example Sentences - (私) atashi

See below some example sentences:

私は茶碗でお茶を飲みます。

Watashi wa chawan de ocha wo nomimasu

I drink tea in a bowl.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 茶碗 (chawan) - noun meaning "tea bowl"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or instrument used for the action, in this case "with the tea bowl"
• お茶 (ocha) - noun meaning "tea"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "drinking tea"
• 飲みます (nomimasu) - verb meaning "to drink"

私はジーンズが好きです。

Watashi wa jiinzu ga suki desu

I like jeans.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• ジーンズ (jiinzu) - Word in Japanese that means "jeans"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "jeans"
• 好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the polite form of the present, in this case, "I like"

私はあなたの立場を理解します。

Watashi wa anata no tachiba o rikai shimasu

I understand your position.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• あなた (anata) - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
• 立場 (tachiba) - noun meaning "position" or "situation"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "position"
• 理解します (rikai shimasu) - verb meaning "to understand" or "to comprehend"

私はあなたに大切なことを伝えたいです。

Watashi wa anata ni taisetsu na koto o tsutaetai desu

I want to convey something important to you.

I want to say what's important.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• あなた (anata) - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the recipient of the action, in this case, "for you"
• 大切な (taisetsu na) - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• こと (koto) - noun meaning "thing" or "subject"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "the thing"
• 伝えたい (tsutaetai) - verb that means "to want to convey" or "to want to communicate"
• です (desu) - particle that indicates the formality of the sentence or that the action is in the present

私は靴をしっかりと締めました。

Watashi wa kutsu wo shikkari to shimerimashita

I squeezed my shoes firmly.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 靴 (kutsu) - noun meaning "shoe"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "shoe"
• しっかりと (shikkari to) - Adverb that means "firmly" or "strongly"
• 締めました (shimemashita) - verb meaning "to tighten" or "to bind", in the past tense and polite

私は電話を取り次ぐことができます。

Watashi wa denwa o toritsugu koto ga dekimasu

I can pass the call.

I can hand over the phone.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 電話 (denwa) - noun meaning "telephone"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "telefone"
• 取り次ぐ (toritsugu) - The verb "to transfer (a phone call) to another person"
• こと (koto) - noun indicating an action or abstract event, in this case, "transfer a call"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できます (dekimasu) - Verb that means "to be able to"

私は勉強に欠かせない辞書を持っています。

Watashi wa benkyou ni kakasenai jisho wo motteimasu

I have a dictionary that is essential for my studies.

I have a dictionary that is essential for studying.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 勉強 (benkyou) - noun meaning "study"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the purpose or objective of the action, in this case, "for"
• 欠かせない (kakasenai) - adjective that means "indispensable"
• 辞書 (jisho) - noun that means "dictionary"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "dictionary"
• 持っています (motteimasu) - verb that means "to have"

私は今年二十歳です。

Watashi wa kotoshi nijuu sai desu

I am 20 years old this year.

I am 20 years old this year.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 今年 (kotoshi) - noun meaning "this year"
• 二十 (hatachi) - numeral meaning "twenty"
• 歳 (sai) - suffix indicating age
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は今夜映画を見に行きます。

Watashi wa kon'ya eiga o mi ni ikimasu

I'm going to watch a movie tonight.

I will watch a movie tonight.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 今夜 (kon'ya) - adverb meaning "tonight"
• 映画 (eiga) - noun meaning "film"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "movie"
• 見に行きます (mi ni ikimasu) - a phrase that means "to go to watch", in this case, "I am going to watch the movie"

私はスクールに行きます。

Watashi wa sukūru ni ikimasu

I'm going to school.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• スクール (sukuuru) - katakana word meaning "school"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the destination or place where something happens, in this case, "to school"
• 行きます (ikimasu) - verb meaning "to go" or "to walk", conjugated in the present affirmative