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:

手回しをする必要がある。

Te mawashi wo suru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to make the preparations.

You need to deal with it.

• 手回し - manual movement
• をする - make
• 必要 - need
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

手遅れになる前に行動しなければならない。

Teokure ni naru mae ni koudou shinakereba naranai

You have to act before it's too late.

• 手遅れになる - means "too late," "irreversible."
• 前に - means "before".
• 行動 - means "action", "movement".
• しなければならない - means "must do", "has to do".

手頃な価格の商品を探しています。

tegoro na kakaku no shouhin wo sagashiteimasu

I am looking for affordable products.

I'm looking for affordable products.

• 手頃な - affordable, reasonable
• 価格 - price
• の - particle indicating possession or connection
• 商品 - product, merchandise
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 探しています - searching

打ち消しの力は強いです。

Uchikeshi no chikara wa tsuyoi desu

The power of denial is strong.

The power of cancellation is strong.

• 打ち消し (uchikeshi) - means "deny" or "cancel"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 強い (tsuyoi) - Adjective that means "strong" or "powerful"
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form

抗争は平和的な解決が望ましい。

Kousou wa heiwateki na kaiketsu ga nozomashii

The convention is desirable for a peaceful solution.

• 抗争 (kousou) - Conflict, dispute
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 平和的な (heiwa-teki na) - peaceful, quiet
• 解決 (kaiketsu) - resolution, solution
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 望ましい (nozomashii) - desirable, preferable

抽選で当たったら嬉しいですね。

Chūsen de atattara ureshī desu ne

I'm happy if you win by lottery.

• 抽選 (chūsen) - raffle
• で (de) - particle indicating the environment or place where something happens
• 当たったら (atattara) - if you win
• 嬉しい (ureshii) - Happy, content
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present
• ね (ne) - particle indicating a rhetorical question or seeking agreement from the interlocutor

押し入れにはたくさんの物が詰まっている。

Oshiire ni wa takusan no mono ga tsumatte iru

Many things are packed in the closet.

• 押し入れ - built-in closet
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• たくさんの - many
• 物 - things
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 詰まっている - are packed/full

指揮をとる人はリーダーシップが必要です。

Shiki wo toru hito wa riidaashippu ga hitsuyou desu

The person who takes command needs leadership.

• 指揮をとる人 - person who leads
• は - Topic particle
• リーダーシップ - leadership
• が - subject particle
• 必要です - necessary

指示を守って行動しましょう。

Shiji wo mamotte koudou shimashou

Let's follow the instructions and act.

• 指示 (shiji) - instruction, guideline
• を (wo) - object particle
• 守って (mamotte) - protect, obey
• 行動 (koudou) - action, behavior
• しましょう (shimashou) - polite way of suggesting or asking for something

提供することは喜ばしいことです。

Teikyō suru koto wa yorokobashii koto desu

It is gratifying to offer something.

Providing is a pleasure.

• 提供すること - Provide something
• は - Topic particle
• 喜ばしい - Pleasant, enjoyable
• こと - Thing, fact
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present