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:

私の心は固まっている。

Watashi no kokoro wa katamaru tte iru

My heart is hardened.

My heart is solidified.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 心 - Noun meaning "heart" or "mind" in Japanese
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 固まっている - verb that means "to be hardened" or "to be frozen" in Japanese, conjugated in the present continuous form

私は部長です。

Watashi wa buchou desu

I'm the department head.

I'm the director.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 部長 (buchou) - noun that means "department head"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality of the sentence

私たちは明日の試合に向けて張り切っています。

Watashitachi wa ashita no shiai ni mukete harikitte imasu

We are excited and excited for tomorrow's game.

We are excited for tomorrow's match.

• 私たちは - We
• 明日 - Tomorrow
• の - Possessive particle
• 試合 - Game
• に - Destination particle
• 向けて - towards
• 張り切っています - We're excited

連中は私たちと一緒に行くつもりですか？

Renchuu wa watashitachi to issho ni iku tsumori desu ka?

Are you planning to come with us?

Will they go with us?

• 連中 (renchuu) - means "they" or "them all"
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "they" are the subject of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - means "we"
• と (to) - particle indicating a connection or company, in this case, "with"
• 一緒に (issho ni) - means "together"
• 行く (iku) - means "to go"
• つもりですか？ (tsumori desu ka?) - expression meaning "you intend" or "you intend to"

身近な人たちは私の支えです。

Mijikai na hitotachi wa watashi no sasae desu

The close people are my support.

People close to me are my support.

• 身近な人たち - close people
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - my
• 支え - Apoio, suporte
• です - is

踊ることは私の人生の喜びです。

Odoru koto wa watashi no jinsei no yorokobi desu

Dancing is the joy of my life.

Dancing is the joy of my life.

• 踊ることは - "Dançar é"
• 私の - "my"
• 人生の - "vida"
• 喜びです - "joy."

調理は私の得意分野です。

Chōri wa watashi no tokui bun'ya desu

Cooking is my specialty.

Cooking is my specialty.

• 調理 - Food preparation
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 得意 - Skill, specialty
• 分野 - Field, area
• です - is

私たちはお互いを支え合って生きていく必要がある。

Watashitachi wa otagai o sasaete ikiteiku hitsuyou ga aru

We need to live supporting each other.

We need to support each other and live.

• 私たちは - We
• お互いを - each other
• 支え合って - supporting each other
• 生きていく - live
• 必要がある - Is required

私たちは明日朝早く着く予定です。

Watashitachi wa ashita asa hayaku tsuku yotei desu

We have plans to arrive early tomorrow morning.

We will arrive early tomorrow morning.

• 私たちは - We
• 明日 - Tomorrow
• 朝 - Morning
• 早く - early
• 着く - to arrive
• 予定 - Planned
• です - and

私たちは時に他人に頼る必要があります。

Watashitachi wa toki ni tanin ni tayoru hitsuyō ga arimasu

Sometimes

Sometimes we need to trust others.

• 私たちは - We
• 時に - Sometimes
• 他人に - In other people
• 頼る - Trust
• 必要があります - Is required