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:

決して諦めない。

Kesshite akiramenai

Never give up.

I will never give up.

• 決して - Never
• 諦めない - to give up

法律は人々を守るために存在します。

Hōritsu wa hitobito o mamoru tame ni sonzai shimasu

The law exists to protect people.

• 法律 - "she" in Japanese
• は - Topic particle
• 人々 - "pessoas" means "people" in Japanese.
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - It means "protect" in Japanese.
• ために - expression that indicates purpose
• 存在します - means "to exist" in Japanese

泌み泌みとした雰囲気が漂っている。

Himi himi to shita fun'iki ga tadayotte iru

There is a secretly secreted atmosphere.

• 泌み泌みとした - a phrase that indicates a feeling or atmosphere of melancholy or subtle and persistent sadness.
• 雰囲気 - atmosphere, environment, climate.
• 漂っている - floating, hovering, permeating.

沿線には美しい景色がたくさんあります。

Ensen ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga takusan arimasu

There are many beautiful landscapes along the line.

There are many beautiful landscapes along the line.

• 沿線 (ensen) - along the line
• には (niwa) - location indication
• 美しい (utsukushii) - beautiful
• 景色 (keshiki) - landscape
• が (ga) - subject particle
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• あります (arimasu) - there are

洋風のレストランでディナーを楽しんだ。

Yoofuu no resutoran de dinnaa wo tanoshinda

I enjoyed dinner at a western restaurant.

• 洋風 - Western Style
• の - Possession particle
• レストラン - restaurant
• で - Location particle
• ディナー - dinner
• を - direct object particle
• 楽しんだ - enjoyed

注目されることは素晴らしいことです。

Chūmoku sareru koto wa subarashī koto desu

Being noticed is a wonderful thing.

It's great to be noticed.

• 注目されること - "being noticed" or "being recognized"
• は - Topic particle
• 素晴らしいこと - "wonderful thing" or "something excellent"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

泥だらけの靴を洗いました。

Dei darake no kutsu wo araimashita

I washed my muddy shoes.

Crazy muddy shoes.

• 泥 - mud
• だらけ - Full of
• の - Possession particle
• 靴 - shoes
• を - direct object particle
• 洗いました - washed

洗面所に行って顔を洗いました。

Sennmenjo ni itte kao wo araimashita

I went to the bathroom and washed my face.

• 洗面所 - It means "bathroom" or "restroom".
• に - it is a particle that indicates the place where the action occurs, in this case, "in the bathroom".
• 行って - It is the conjugation of the verb "ir" in the past, indicating that the person went to the bathroom.
• 顔 - It means "face".
• を - it is a particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "washed the face".
• 洗いました - it is the past form of the verb "lavar", indicating that the person washed their face.

海岸には美しい景色が広がっています。

Kaigan ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga hirogatte imasu

Beautiful landscapes are spreading on the coast.

• 海岸 - coast, beach
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• 景色 - landscape, view
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 広がっています - extends, spreads

浅ましい行為を犯すな。

Asamashii kōi wo okasu na

Do not commit petty acts.

Don't commit a superficial act.

• 浅ましい - adjective that means "mean," "base," "unworthy"
• 行為 - noun that means "action", "behavior"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 犯す - verb that means "to commit", "to violate"
• な - particle indicating an order or prohibition