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:

私たちは未来を背負う。

Watashitachi wa mirai wo seou

We carry the future.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 未来を - "Future" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" which indicates the object of the sentence.
• 背負う - "To take on" in Japanese, in the sense of assuming responsibility.

私たちは未来を歩む。

Watashitachi wa mirai wo ayumu

We walk towards the future.

We walk for the future.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 未来を - "Future" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" which indicates the object of the sentence.
• 歩む - "Andar" in Japanese, indicating the action that "we" are taking in relation to the "future"

私たちは生き生きとした人生を送りたいです。

Watashitachi wa ikiiki to shita jinsei o okuritai desu

We want to live a lively life.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 生き生きとした - "Vibrant" or "lively" in Japanese.
• 人生を - "Life" in Japanese
• 送りたいです - "We want to send" in Japanese.

私たちは来週パーティーを催します。

Watashitachi wa raishū pātī o moyasu shimasu

We will hold a party next week.

We will have a party next week.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 来週 - "next week" in Japanese
• パーティー - party in Japanese, written in katakana (Japanese writing system for foreign words)
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 催します - "carry out" or "organize" in Japanese

私たちは離れることを決めました。

Watashitachi wa hanareru koto o kimemashita

We decided to separate.

We decided to leave.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 離れる - "se separar" em japonês é "別れる" (wakaru).
• ことを - particle that indicates the object of the action in Japanese
• 決めました - decidimos

私たちは過去を顧みる必要がある。

Watashitachi wa kako o kaerimiru hitsuyō ga aru

We need to look to the past.

We need to look back on the past.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 過去を - "Past" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" which indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 顧みる - "Reflect" or "look back" in Japanese
• 必要がある - "It is necessary" in Japanese, followed by the particle "ga aru" which indicates the existence of something

私たちは過去の過ちを打ち消すことができます。

Watashitachi wa kako no ayamachi o uchikesu koto ga dekimasu

We can erase our past mistakes.

We can cancel past mistakes.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 過去の過ちを - "Mistakes of the past" in Japanese
• 打ち消す - "Cancel" in Japanese
• ことが - Particle that indicates that the sentence continues
• できます - "Can be done" in Japanese

私たちは良い間柄です。

Watashitachi wa yoi magara desu

We have a good relationship.

We are a good relationship.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 良い - good in Japanese
• 間柄 - "Relationship" in Japanese.
• です - "is" in Japanese (verb to be)

私たちは耕作をする必要があります。

Watashitachi wa kousaku o suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to do agriculture.

We need to cultivate.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 耕作をする - "Fazer cultivo" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

私たちは常に成長し続けなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni seichō shitsuzukena nakereba narimasen

We must always continue to grow.

We must always grow.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 常に - adverb "always"
• 成長 - noun "growth"
• し - particle indicating continuation of action
• 続け - "to continue"
• なければなりません - expression that indicates obligation or necessity