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:

私の好みは甘いものです。

Watashi no konomi wa amai mono desu

My taste is sweet.

My taste is sweet.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 好み - noun meaning "taste" or "preference"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 甘い - Adjective that means "sweet"
• もの - noun that means "thing"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私の年齢は二十五歳です。

Watashi no nenrei wa nijuugosai desu

My age is 25 years old.

My age is 25 years old.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 年齢 - noun that means "age"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 二十五 - numeral meaning "25"
• 歳 - suffix that indicates "years old"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

私の腕は強いです。

Watashi no ude wa tsuyoi desu

My arms are strong.

My arm is strong.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 腕 - noun that means "arm"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 強い - adjective meaning "strong"
• です - verb that indicates the state or action, in this case, "to be"

私の祖母は入院しています。

Watashi no sobo wa nyuin shiteimasu

My grandmother is hospitalized.

My grandmother is hospitalized.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 祖母 - "Grandfather"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 入院 - noun that means "hospitalization"
• しています - compound verb that means "to be hospitalized"

私の等級は高いです。

Watashi no tōkyū wa takai desu

My level is high.

My grade is high.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 等級 - noun that means "classification" or "level"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - verb to be in polite form, equivalent to "is"

私の時計は壊れました。

Watashi no tokei wa kowaremashita

My watch broke.

My watch was broken.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "my"
• 時計 - noun meaning "watch"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 壊れました - verb meaning "broke" or "is broken", conjugated in the past tense

私の祖父はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no sofu wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandfather is a very kind person.

My grandfather is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
• 祖父 - "Grandfather"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "as for my grandfather"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb indicating the polite form of the present, in this case, "is"

私は万年筆で手紙を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa mannenhitsu de tegami o kaku no ga suki desu

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

I like to write a letter with a fountain pen.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 万年筆 (mannenhitsu) - noun meaning "fountain pen"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or tool used
• 手紙 (tegami) - noun meaning "letter"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 書く (kaku) - Verb meaning "to write"
• の (no) - particle indicating the nominalization of the verb
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense

私は日本語を教わることができますか？

Watashi wa nihongo wo osowaru koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can I be taught in Japanese?

Can I learn Japanese?

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 教わる (osowaru) - verb that means "to learn"
• こと (koto) - noun that means "thing"
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• できますか (dekimasu ka) - Expression that means "is it possible?" or "can you?"

私は毎日祈りを唱えます。

Watashi wa mainichi inori o tonaemasu

I pray every day.

I pray every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 祈り (inori) - noun meaning "prayer"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 唱えます (tonaemasu) - verb meaning "to recite" or "to chant"