Translation and Meaning of: し - shi

The Japanese word し (shi) is a short term, but full of nuances and interesting uses in the Japanese language. If you are learning Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding the meaning and context of this word can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore from the basics, like its translation and writing, to deeper aspects, such as its cultural usage and frequency in daily life. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, is a great tool to complement your learning.

In addition to being a grammatical particle and a common suffix, し also appears in expressions and even in Japanese proverbs. Its simplicity hides a wealth of meanings that vary according to the context. Let's unravel all of this clearly and directly, without unnecessary complications.

Meaning and uses of the word し

In its most basic form, し can be translated as "and" or "besides" when used as a particle. It connects sentences or ideas, adding a tone of enumeration or justification. For example, in a sentence like "寒いし、疲れたし、家に帰りたい" (Samui shi, tsukareta shi, ie ni kaeritai), the translation would be "It's cold, I'm tired and I want to go home." Here, し helps to list reasons naturally.

Another common use of し is as a suffix in words like 願いし (negaishi) or 思し (omoishi), although these cases are rarer in modern Japanese. It is worth noting that, unlike other particles, し carries a nuance of emphasis, often indicating that there are more reasons beyond those mentioned. This subtlety may go unnoticed by beginners, but it is essential for a more advanced mastery of the language.

The origin and writing of し

The word し is written in hiragana, one of the Japanese syllabaries, but it also corresponds to the kanji 死, which means "death." However, it is important to highlight that the use of the kanji 死 to represent し is restricted to specific contexts, such as compound words or expressions. Most of the time, especially when functioning as a particle, し appears in hiragana to avoid ambiguities.

Regarding its origin, し comes from Old Japanese and has roots in Classical language. Its evolution has accompanied the grammatical simplification of the language over the centuries. Although it is not one of the oldest particles, its use became established during the Edo period, when the Japanese language underwent various structural changes. Today, it is a common word both in everyday speech and in informal writing.

Curiosities and tips for memorizing し

An interesting fact about し is that, although it seems simple, many Japanese learners take time to realize its function of connecting ideas with emphasis. A helpful tip for memorizing its use is to associate it with situations where you want to list reasons or justify something. For example, when explaining why you didn't leave the house, saying "雨だし、忙しいし" (Ame da shi, isogashii shi) sounds more natural than simply listing the facts without the particle.

Moreover, し often appears in dialogues of animes and dramas, which can aid in learning. Paying attention to how characters use this particle in emotional or explanatory contexts is a practical way to absorb its meaning. Suki Nihongo provides real examples of sentences with し, making it easier to understand its application in daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 四 (shi) - four
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• 志 (shi) - Determination; aspiration
• 士 (shi) - Samurai; warrior
• 仕 (shi) - Service; work
• 死 (shi) - Death
• 私 (shi) - Private; I (pronoun)
• 始 (shi) - Start; begin
• 子 (shi) - Son; child
• 指 (shi) - Pointing; finger
• 持 (ji) - Possess; hold
• 試 (shi) - Test; to experiment
• 旨 (shi) - Purpose; intention
• 誌 (shi) - Record; annals
• 織 (shiki) - Weave; fabric
• 視 (shi) - Vision; gaze
• 紫 (shi) - Purple
• 湿 (shitsu) - damp
• 摯 (shi) - Sincere feeling; deep
• 雌 (shi) - Female; woman
• 詩人 (shijin) - poet
• 資格 (shikaku) - Qualification; condition
• 指導 (shidou) - Guidance; leadership

し

Romaji: shi
Kana: し
Type: Letter
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: 10^24 (Kanji is Jis X 0212 Kuten 4906); Settillion (American); Quadrillion (British)

Meaning in English: 10^24 (kanji is JIS X 0212 kuten 4906);septillion (American);quadrillion (British)

Definition: shi [automatic] 1. Appear alone, without worrying about anything else. say. "Please be considerate." 2 Pretending to know. “Even though I'm good at this, I'm not as good as him.” 3 Bring it out. "I complained about the title." 【other】 1 Ask. Visit. "There is nothing you don't understand. I'm thinking of trying..." 2 Ask. Ask questions and ask questions. "This is a subject where you should use your wisdom in the best way possible." 3. Ask the other person by phone or letter. "How are you? Let's meet."

Example Sentences - (し) shi

See below some example sentences:

広場でピクニックをしましょう。

Hiroba de pikunikku o shimashou

Let's make a picnic in the square.

• 広場 (Hiroba) - square
• で (de) - in
• ピクニック (pikunikku) - picnic
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• しましょう (shimashou) - let's do it

広がる世界を一緒に旅しましょう。

Hirogaru sekai wo issho ni tabi shimashou

Let's travel the world together.

• 広がる - verb that means "to spread", "to expand"
• 世界 - noun that means "world"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 一緒に - expression that means "together"
• 旅 - noun that means "trip"
• しましょう - verb that indicates a suggestion or invitation to do something together

座席を予約しました。

Zaseki wo yoyaku shimashita

I reserved a seat.

I reserved my seat.

• 座席 - Seat
• を - object particle
• 予約 - booking
• しました - past tense of the verb "to do"

延期する必要があるかもしれません。

Enki suru hitsuyou ga aru kamoshiremasen

It may be necessary to postpone.

• 延期する - to delay
• 必要 - necessary
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - exist
• かもしれません - Maybe, it could be that

引き出しには大切な思い出がたくさん詰まっている。

Hikidashi ni wa taisetsu na omoide ga takusan tsumatte iru

In the drawer there are many important memories stored.

The drawer is full of many important memories.

• 引き出し (hikidashi) - drawer
• に (ni) - particle indicating where something is
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切な (taisetsuna) - important, valuable
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• 詰まっている (tsumatteiru) - to be full, to be replete

弱ることは人間らしいことだ。

Yowaru koto wa ningen rashii koto da

It is human to weaken.

Waking is human.

• 弱ること - weaken, lose strength or vigor
• は - topic or subject marker particle
• 人間 - Human being
• らしい - similar to, typical of
• こと - thing, fact, event
• だ - Verb to be/estar in the present

強力な力で目標を達成しよう。

Kyōryoku na chikara de mokuhyō o tassei shiyou

Achieve your goals with mighty power.

• 強力な - strong, powerful
• 力で - strongly
• 目標を - objective
• 達成しよう - Achieve, accomplish

役立つ情報を提供します。

Yakudatsu jōhō o teikyō shimasu

I will provide useful information.

Provides useful information.

• 役立つ - useful, beneficial
• 情報 - information
• を - direct object particle
• 提供 - provide
• します - Verb "to do" in the present

彼は新しいアイデアを齎らした。

Kare wa atarashii aidea o hakarashta

He brought a new idea.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新しい (atarashii) - new (adjective)
• アイデア (aidea) - idea (noun)
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 齎らした (motaras(hi)ta) - brought, presented, proposed (past verb)

彼は窓に手を差し伸べた。

Kare wa mado ni te o sashino beta

He reached out to the window.

He reached out to the window.

• 彼 (kare) - he (personal pronoun)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 窓 (mado) - window
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 手 (te) - HAND
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 差し伸べた (sashino beta) - Extended (verb)