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:

私たちは川で合流しました。

Watashitachi wa kawa de gōryū shimashita

We meet at the river.

We join the river.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 川で - "in the river"
• 合流しました - verb "found oneself", in the past

私たちは勇気を持って戦う必要があります。

Watashitachi wa yūki o motte tatakau hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to fight with courage.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 勇気を持って - "With courage"
• 戦う - "lutar"
• 必要があります - "It is necessary"

私たちは今後の方針を決定する必要があります。

Watashitachi wa kongo no houshin wo kettei suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to decide our future direction.

We need to decide on future policies.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 今後の - adjective "future"
• 方針を - noun "policy/guideline" + particle "direct object"
• 決定する - verb "to decide"
• 必要があります - the expression "be necessary"

私たちは音楽に興じる。

Watashitachi wa ongaku ni kyoujiru

We have fun with music.

We play music.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 音楽に - "Para a música" translates to "For the music" in English.
• 興じる - "To get excited" in Japanese

私の目覚まし時計は毎日少しずつずれる。

Watashi no mezamashi tokei wa mainichi sukoshi zutsu zureru

My alarm clock is a little late every day.

My alarm clock changes gradually every day.

• 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
• 目覚まし時計 - "despertador" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 毎日 - "todos os dias" in Japanese
• 少しずつ - "pouco a pouco" in Japanese
• ずれる - "deslocar-se" in Japanese

私たちは暖まるために火を使いました。

Watashitachi wa atatamaru tame ni hi o tsukaimashita

We use fire to warm ourselves.

We use fire to warm up.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 暖まる - "to warm up"
• ために - particle that indicates "to"
• 火 - noun "fire"
• を - Direct object particle
• 使いました - verb "to use" conjugated in the past tense

私たちは新しいアイデアを受け入れる準備ができています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii aidea o ukeire suru junbi ga dekite imasu

We are ready to accept new ideas.

We are ready to accept new ideas.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• アイデア - noun "idea"
• を - direct object particle
• 受け入れる - verb "to accept, to receive"
• 準備 - noun "preparation, readiness"
• が - subject particle
• できています - verb "to be ready, to be prepared" conjugated in the present progressive

私たちは彼らと比べても同じくらい優れていると思います。

Watashitachi wa karera to kurabete mo onaji kurai sugurete iru to omoimasu

I think we are as good as they are.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 彼らと - with them
• 比べても - even comparing
• 同じくらい - same level
• 優れている - be excellent
• と思います - I think

私たちは強い結び付きを持っています。

Watashitachi wa tsuyoi musubitsuki o motteimasu

We have a strong bond.

We have a strong tie.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 強い - "strong" adjective
• 結び付き - noun "link, connection"
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - verb "to have, to possess" in the present tense

私の夢は牧場を持つことです。

Watashi no yume wa bokujou wo motsu koto desu

My dream is to have a farm.

My dream is to have a ranch.

• 私の夢は - "Watashi no yume wa" means "My dream is"
• 牧場を - "Bokujou wo" means "a farm"
• 持つこと - "Motsu koto" means "to have"
• です - "Desu" is a particle that indicates a formal statement