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:

私は休暇を楽しみにしています。

Watashi wa kyuuka wo tanoshimi ni shiteimasu

I am anxious

I'm looking forward to the holidays.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 休暇 - Japanese noun meaning "vacation"
• を - direct object particle indicating that "férias" is the direct object of the action
• 楽しみ - Japanese verb that means "to have fun" or "to look forward to"
• に - particle that indicates the target or goal of the action, in this case, "vacation"
• しています - compound verb indicating an ongoing action, in this case, "I am eagerly waiting for the holidays"

私はふらふらしています。

Watashi wa furafura shite imasu

I'm dizzy/dizzy.

I'm wandering.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ふらふら - adverb meaning "silly", "foolish", "unstable"
• しています - present form of the verb する (suru), which means "to do"

私は決心をしました。

Watashi wa kesshin o shimashita

I have made a decision.

I decided.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 決心 - Japanese noun that means "decision"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "decision"
• しました - Japanese verb in the past that means "decided"

私は熱中しています。

Watashi wa netchuu shiteimasu

I'm obsessed.

I am enthusiastic.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 熱中 - Japanese noun that means "enthusiasm, passion"
• しています - Japanese verb that means "to be doing", conjugated in the present continuous.

私は毎日練習することで上達します。

Watashi wa mainichi renshuu suru koto de joutatsu shimasu

I improve by practicing every day.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 練習する - Japanese verb meaning "to practice"
• こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to perform the action, in this case, "practice"
• 上達します - Japanese verb meaning "improve" or "progress"

私は校庭で友達と遊びました。

Watashi wa kōtei de tomodachi to asobimashita

I played with my friends in the school courtyard.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 校庭 - Japanese noun that means "schoolyard"
• で - Japanese particle indicating the location where the action took place, in this case, "no pátio da escola" -> "in the school courtyard"
• 友達 - Japanese noun that means "friend(s)"
• と - Japanese particle that indicates company, in this case, "with friends"
• 遊びました - Japanese verb meaning "play/play", conjugated in the affirmative past

私は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかります。

Watashi wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakarimasu

It takes time to get used to a new environment.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 環境 - Japanese noun that means "environment"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates action towards something or a place.
• 慣れる - Japanese verb that means "to get used to"
• のに - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
• 時間 - Japanese noun that means "time"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• かかります - Japanese verb meaning "to take time."

私は背広を着て会議に出席します。

Watashi wa sebiro o kite kaigi ni shusseki shimasu

I'm going to wear a suit and attend the meeting.

I will attend the meeting wearing a suit.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 背広 - Japanese noun meaning "suit"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
• 会議 - Japanese noun meaning "meeting"
• に - Japanese particle indicating the place where the action takes place
• 出席します - Japanese verb meaning "to attend"

私は神を崇拝します。

Watashi wa kami wo suuhai shimasu

I worship God.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 神 - Japanese noun meaning "god"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 崇拝 - Japanese verb meaning "to worship" or "to adore"
• します - Japanese verb that means "to do" or "to perform" in a polite form

私の著書が出版されました。

Watashi no chosho ga shuppan sare mashita

My book was published.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 著書 - noun meaning "literary work" or "book written by the author himself".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出版 - verb meaning "to publish" or "to edit a book".
• されました - passive form of the verb "suru" which indicates that the action was carried out by another person or entity. In this case, the sentence means "My book has been published".