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:

私たちは目標を定めて努力します。

Watashitachi wa mokuhyō o sadameru shite doryoku shimasu

We set goals and strive to achieve them.

We set goals and we will work hard.

• 私たちは - We
• 目標を - Goals
• 定めて - We define
• 努力します - We strive

私たちは約束を交わしました。

Watashitachi wa yakusoku o kawashimashita

We exchange promises.

We made a promise.

• 私たちは - We
• 約束 - Promise
• を - Direct object particle
• 交わしました - We did

私たちは階級制度を廃止する必要があると信じています。

Watashitachi wa kaikyū seido o haishi suru hitsuyō ga aru to shinjite imasu

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

• 私たちは - We
• 階級制度 - class system
• を - object particle
• 廃止する - abolish
• 必要がある - be necessary
• と - Quote particle
• 信じています - believe

私たちはこのホテルで宿泊する予定です。

Watashitachi wa kono hoteru de shukuhaku suru yotei desu

We plan to stay at this hotel.

We plan to stay at this hotel.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• この - demonstrative adjective "this"
• ホテル - Noun "hotel"
• で - Particle indicating location "in"
• 宿泊する - Verb "to stay"
• 予定 - noun "plan"
• です - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense

私たちは多くの時間を費やしてこのプロジェクトを完成させました。

Watashitachi wa ōku no jikan o tsuiyashte kono purojekuto o kansei sasemashita

We spent a lot of time and completed this project.

We spent a lot of time and completed this project.

• 私たちは (watashitachi wa) - We
• 多くの (ooku no) - Many
• 時間を (jikan o) - Time
• 費やして (tsuiyashite) - Expense
• この (kono) - This one
• プロジェクトを (purojekuto o) - project
• 完成させました (kansei sasemashita) - We concluded

私たちは多くの経験と知識を有しています。

Watashitachi wa ōku no keiken to chishiki o yū shite imasu

We have a lot of experience and knowledge.

We have a lot of experience and knowledge.

• 私たちは (watashitachi wa) - We
• 多くの (ooku no) - Many
• 経験 (keiken) - Experiences
• と (to) - and
• 知識 (chishiki) - Knowledge
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 有しています (arushiteimasu) - We have

私たちは過去の足跡を忘れてはならない。

Watashitachi wa kako no ashiato o wasurete wa naranai

We must not forget the previous footprints.

We must not forget the previous footprints.

• 私たちは - "We" in Japanese.
• 過去の - "From the past" in Japanese.
• 足跡を - "Footprints" in Japanese.
• 忘れてはならない - "We cannot forget" in Japanese.

私たちは前進する必要があります。

Watashitachi wa zenshin suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to move forward.

We need to move on.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 前進する - "avançar" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

私たちは対面して話し合いました。

Watashitachi wa taimen shite hanashiaimashita

We met face to face and argued.

We talked to face -to -face.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 対面して - "We met face to face" in Japanese
• 話し合いました - "We discussed" in Japanese

私たちは来月転居する予定です。

Watashitachi wa raigetsu tenkyo suru yotei desu

We plan to move next month.

We plan to move next month.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 来月 - next month in Japanese
• 転居する - "転居する"
• 予定です - "計画された"