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:

私の祖母はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no sobo wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My grandmother is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 祖母 - "Grandfather"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb that indicates the state or action, equivalent to "to be" or "to stay"

私の父親はとても優しい人です。

Watashi no chichioya wa totemo yasashii hito desu

My father is a very kind person.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 父親 - noun that means "father"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 優しい - adjective meaning "kind"
• 人 - noun that means "person"
• です - verb that indicates the state or condition, equivalent to "is"

私の郷里は美しい町です。

Watashi no kyōri wa utsukushii machi desu

My hometown is a beautiful city.

My hometown is a beautiful city.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle indicating possession, equivalent to "mine"
• 郷里 - noun that means "homeland"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "about"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 町 - noun meaning "city"
• です - verb that indicates to be or to exist, equivalent to "is"

私は庭に花の種を散蒔きました。

Watashi wa niwa ni hana no tane wo chiramikimashita

I scattered flower seeds in the garden.

I sowed flowers in the garden.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 庭 - noun that means "garden"
• に - locative particle that indicates where something happened
• 花 - noun that means "flowers"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the flowers belong to the garden
• 種 - noun that means "seeds"
• を - object particle that indicates that the seeds have been scattered
• 散蒔きました - verb that means "to scatter seeds"

私は大学で様々な科目を勉強しました。

Watashi wa daigaku de samazama na kamoku o benkyou shimashita

I studied several subjects at the university.

I studied several subjects at the university.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大学 - noun meaning "university"
• で - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• 様々な - adjective that means "diverse," "varied"
• 科目 - noun that means "subject", "discipline"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 勉強しました - verb that means "study" in the past

私はあなたからの贈り物を受け取りました。

Watashi wa anata kara no okurimono o uketorimashita

I received the gift from you.

I received a gift from you.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• から - particle that indicates the origin or starting point
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 贈り物 - noun meaning "gift"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 受け取りました - verb meaning "received"

私は日本で育ちました。

Watashi wa Nihon de sodachimashita

I grew up in Japan.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 日本 - noun meaning "Japan"
• で - particle indicating the place where the action took place
• 育ちました - "verb" means "to grow" or "to be created"

私は彼女を介抱した。

Watashi wa kanojo wo kaihō shita

I hugged her.

I took it to her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 介抱した - verb meaning "to look after" or "to assist", conjugated in the past tense

私はあなたの才能を存じています。

Watashi wa anata no sainou wo zonjiteimasu

I recognize your talent.

I know your talent.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の - possessive particle indicating that "才能" (talent) belongs to "あなた" (you)
• 才能 - noun meaning "talent"
• を - object particle indicating that "才能" (talent) is the direct object of the sentence
• 存じています - verb that means "to know", conjugated in the present affirmative tense and with a tone of respect

私は来月転任します。

Watashi wa raigetsu tennin shimasu

I will be transferred to another location next month.

I will transfer next month.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 来月 - noun that means "next month"
• 転任 - noun that means "transfer of work"
• します - verb that means "to do" or "to carry out," conjugated in the present to indicate a future action