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:

私たちは人生を享受するために生まれてきた。

Watashitachi wa jinsei wo kyouju suru tame ni umarete kita

We were born to enjoy life.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 人生 - "Life" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 享受する - "enjoy" in Japanese
• ために - "To" in Japanese
• 生まれてきた - "We were born" in Japanese

私たちはランチの合間にコーヒーを飲んだ。

Watashitachi wa ranchi no aima ni kōhī o nonda

We drink coffee during the lunch break.

We drink coffee between lunch.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• ランチ - "Lunch" in Japanese
• の - Possessive particle in Japanese
• 合間に - "Break" or "pause" in Japanese
• コーヒー - "Coffee" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 飲んだ - "Drinking in the past tense in Japanese

私たちはプレゼントを交換しました。

Watashitachi wa purezento o kōkan shimashita

We exchange gifts.

We exchanged the gift.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• プレゼント - Present in Japanese, written in katakana (one of the Japanese writing systems)
• を - Object particle in Japanese, indicates that the present is the object of the action
• 交換 - Exchange in Japanese
• しました - Polite past form of the verb "to do" in Japanese, indicates that the action has already been completed

私たちはスケジュールを合わす必要があります。

Watashitachi wa sukejūru o awasu hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to adjust our schedules.

We need to schedule.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• スケジュール - "Agenda in Japanese
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 合わす - "Coordinate" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "We need" in Japanese

私たちは合意に達しました。

Watashitachi wa gōi ni tasshimashita

We reached an agreement.

We reached an agreement.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 合意に - "Agreement" in Japanese
• 達しました - "Reached" in Japanese

私たちは列車に乗り込んだ。

Watashitachi wa ressha ni norikonda

We get on the train.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 列車 - Train
• に - Particle that indicates destination or location
• 乗り込んだ - "Entramos" in Japanese

私たちは公平な取り分を受け取りました。

Watashitachi wa kōhei na toribun o uketorimashita

We received a fair division.

We received a fair part.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 公平な - fair or "equitable" in Japanese
• 取り分を - part or "participation" in Japanese
• 受け取りました - we received in Japanese

私たちは偶然に出合った。

Watashitachi wa guuzen ni deau ta

We met by chance.

We met by chance.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 偶然に - "by chance" in Japanese
• 出合った - "we meet"

私たちは伝統を重んじる。

Watashitachi wa dentō o omonjiru

We value tradition.

We value tradition.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 伝統を - "tradition" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 重んじる - "to value" or "to give importance" in Japanese, conjugated in the affirmative present.

私たちは恵まれている。

Watashitachi wa megumareru

We are blessed.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 恵まれている - "we are blessed"