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:

新しい始まりがある。

Atarashii hajimari ga aru

There is a new beginning.

• 新しい - means "new" in Japanese.
• 始まり - It means "beginning" or "start" in Japanese.
• が - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• ある - means "to exist" or "to be" in Japanese.

新入生は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかることがあります。

Shinnyūsei wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakaru koto ga arimasu

New students can take time to get used to a new environment.

• 新入生 - "new students"
• は - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "new students".
• 新しい - means "new" in Japanese.
• 環境 - It means "environment" in Japanese.
• に - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case "to" the new environment.
• 慣れる - It means "to get used to" in Japanese.
• のに - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a condition or a reason, in this case "to" get used to the new environment.
• 時間 - "tempo" means "time" in Japanese.
• がかかる - it's a Japanese expression that means "to take time" or "to be necessary time".
• こと - it is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates an action or an event, in this case "to take time".
• あります - It is a polite way to say "there is" or "there are" in Japanese.

日の入りは美しいです。

Hinon'iri wa utsukushii desu

The sunset is beautiful.

The sunset is beautiful.

• 日の入り - It means "sunset" in Japanese.
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

日光は美しい自然がたくさんある場所です。

Nikkou wa utsukushii shizen ga takusan aru basho desu

Nikko is a place with a lot of beautiful nature.

• 日光 - Proper name referring to a city in Japan.
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 自然 - Noun that means "nature"
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - Adverb that means "very"
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"
• 場所 - Noun that means "place"
• です - Linking verb that indicates the end of the sentence and formality.

日の出は美しいです。

Hinode wa utsukushii desu

The sunrise is beautiful.

• 日の出 - "Sunrise" means "nascer do sol" in Portuguese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 美しい - The adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful" in Japanese is "美しい" (utsukushii).
• です - "Ser" in Japanese, used to indicate an affirmation or a formal statement

日本の酒はとても美味しいです。

Nihon no sake wa totemo oishii desu

Japanese sake is very delicious.

• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 酒 - alcoholic beverage, sake
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 美味しい - delicious
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

日向は美しい場所です。

Hinata wa utsukushii basho desu

Hinata is a beautiful place.

Hyuga is a beautiful place.

• 日向 - A name that refers to a city located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "日向".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 場所 - Noun meaning "place" or "location".
• です - Auxiliary verb that indicates a polite or polished way of expressing an idea, in this case, "is".

日本とブラジルの国交は長い歴史があります。

Nihon to Burajiru no kokkou wa nagai rekishi ga arimasu

Diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil have a long history.

• 日本 - Japan
• と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
• ブラジル - Brazil
• の - of
• 国交 - diplomatic relations
• は - are
• 長い - longas
• 歴史 - history
• が - have
• あります - existed

日本は美しい国です。

Nihon wa utsukushii kuni desu

Japan is a beautiful country.

• 日本 - Proper name, referring to the country Japan.
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "Japan".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• 国 - Noun that means "country".
• です - verb "to be" in a polite and formal way.

日本語を勉強しています。

Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I'm studying Japanese.

I'm learning Japanese.

• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 勉強 - means "study" or "learn".
• しています - It is a polite and respectful way to say "I am doing."