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:

私たちは毎日登校します。

Watashitachi wa mainichi toukou shimasu

We go to school every day.

Let's go to school every day.

• 私たちは - We
• 毎日 - every day
• 登校します - let's go to school

私たちは毎日新鮮な野菜を採っています。

Watashitachi wa mainichi shinsen na yasai o toratte imasu

We reap fresh vegetables every day.

We chose fresh vegetables every day.

• 私たちは - We
• 毎日 - every day
• 新鮮な - Frescoes
• 野菜を - vegetables
• 採っています - We collect

私たちは来月引越しをする予定です。

Watashitachi wa raigetsu hikkoshi o suru yotei desu

We plan to move next month.

Let's move next month.

• 私たちは - We
• 来月 - Next month
• 引越し - Moving house
• を - object particle
• する - to do
• 予定 - Plan
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

私たちは星を見上げた。

Watashitachi wa hoshi o miageru ta

We look at the stars.

• 私たちは - we
• 星 - stars
• を - direct object particle
• 見上げた - we look up

私たちはこのプロジェクトで素晴らしい成果を出すことができました。

Watashitachi wa kono purojekuto de subarashii seika o dasu koto ga dekimashita

We managed to get great results on this project.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• この - demonstrative adjective "this"
• プロジェクト - noun "project"
• で - Particle that indicates the place where the action occurs
• 素晴らしい - adjective "wonderful"
• 成果 - noun "result"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 出す - "to produce"
• ことが - particle indicating action or event
• できました - verb "to be able to"

私たちは隔週で会います。

Watashitachi wa kakushuu de aimasu

We meet every two weeks.

• 私たちは - We
• 隔週で - Every two weeks
• 会います - We meet

私たちは目論見を達成するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa mokuroumi o tassei suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to achieve our perspectives.

• 私たちは - We
• 目論見 - Plan, objective
• を - object particle
• 達成する - Achieve, accomplish
• ために - to, with the objective of
• 全力を尽くします - We'll do our best

私たちは法律に従う必要があります。

Watashitachi wa hōritsu ni shitagau hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to follow the law.

• 私たちは - We
• 法律に - To the law
• 従う - follow
• 必要があります - Is required

私たちは汽船で旅行する予定です。

Watashitachi wa kyosen de ryokou suru yotei desu

We plan to travel by steamboat.

We plan to travel by steamship.

• 私たちは - We
• 汽船で - From a steamship
• 旅行する - Travel
• 予定です - We planned

私たちは自分たちの行動を改める必要がある。

Watashitachi wa jibuntachi no kōdō o aratameru hitsuyō ga aru

We need to change our actions.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 自分たちの - Reflexive pronoun "our"
• 行動を - noun "comportamento"
• 改める - verb "change"
• 必要がある - expression "it is necessary"