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:

私たちは海水浴に行きます。

Watashitachi wa kaisuiyoku ni ikimasu

We go to the beach.

We go to the sea bath.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 海水浴 - sea bath
• に - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 行きます - verb "to go" in the present

私たちは明日新しい町を訪れます。

Watashitachi wa ashita atarashii machi o otozuremasu

We're going to visit a new city tomorrow.

We're visiting a new city tomorrow.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 明日 - adverb "tomorrow"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• 町 - noun "city"
• を - direct object particle
• 訪れます - verb "to visit" conjugated in the present/future

私たちは新製品を売り出す予定です。

Watashitachi wa shinseihin o uridasu yotei desu

We plan to sell new products.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 新製品 - noun "new product"
• を - direct object particle
• 売り出す - verb "to sell" in the infinitive
• 予定 - "Flat" noun
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私たちは婚約を発表しました。

Watashitachi wa kon'yaku o happyō shimashita

We announced our engagement.

We announced an engagement.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 婚約 - engagement
• を - object particle
• 発表 - announce
• しました - verb "to do" conjugated in the past

私たちはこの問題に対処しなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa kono mondai ni taisho shinakereba narimasen

We need to deal with this problem.

We must deal with this problem.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• この問題に - "Este problema"
• 対処 - "Lidar com" in Japanese
• しなければなりません - "Must be done" in Japanese

私たちはあなたを招待します。

Watashitachi wa anata o shōtai shimasu

We invite you.

Let's invite him.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• あなたを - "You" in Japanese (direct object)
• 招待します - "We invite" in Japanese

私たちは新しい家を建てる予定です。

Watashitachi wa atarashii ie o tateru yotei desu

We plan to build a new home.

We planned to build a new home.

• 私たちは - "We" in Japanese.
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese.
• 家 - "Casa" in Japanese.
• を - Object particle in Japanese.
• 建てる - "Construir" in Japanese.
• 予定 - "Plan" or "Scheduling" in Japanese.
• です - polite form of "to be" or "to stay" in Japanese.

私たちは先祖を敬います。

Watashitachi wa senzo o uyamai masu

We respect our ancestors.

We respect our ancestors.

• 私たちは - "We" in Japanese.
• 先祖を - "Ancestrais" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" indicating that they are the object of the action.
• 敬います - "We respect" in Japanese, conjugated in the polite form.

私たちは話し合うことで問題を解決することができます。

Watashitachi wa hanashiau koto de mondai o kaiketsu suru koto ga dekimasu

We can solve the problem by discussing.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 話し合う - Verb "discuss"
• ことで - Entry that indicates means or method
• 問題を - Noun "problem" with particle "the" indicating direct object
• 解決する - Verb "resolve"
• ことが - particle that indicates subject
• できます - Verb "poder" in potential form

私たちは仲間同士です。

Watashitachi wa nakama doushi desu

We are mates.

We are friends.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 仲間 - "Companions/friends" in Japanese
• 同士 - Suffix that means "among equals" or "among companions" in Japanese.
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese