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

Related words

ブラシ

burashi

brush; brush

ビジネス

bizinesu

business

バッジ

bazi

distinctive

パジャマ

pazyama

Pajamas; pajamas

トランジスター

toranzisuta-

transistor

ティッシュペーパー

thisyupe-pa-

tissue

デコレーション

dekore-syon

decoration

デモンストレーション

demonsutore-syon

demonstration

チェンジ

tyenzi

change

タクシー

takushi-

Taxi

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."

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How to Write in Japanese - (し) shi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (し) shi:

Example Sentences - (し) shi

See below some example sentences:

聳える山々は美しいです。

Sobieru yamayama wa utsukushii desu

The high mountains are beautiful.

The rising mountains are beautiful.

聳える (sobaeru) - means "to rise" or "to rise".
山々 (yamayama) - means "mountains".
は (wa) - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
美しい (utsukushii) - means "pretty" or "beautiful".
です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the present tense and formality.

職人の技術は素晴らしいです。

Shokunin no gijutsu wa subarashii desu

The skill of craftsmen is wonderful.

Craftsman skills are wonderful.

職人 - means "craftsman" or "skilled professional".
の - possession particle, indicating that the next term belongs to the craftsman.
技術 - means "technique" or "skill".
は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the craftsman's skill.
素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "excellent".
です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

肯定的な答えを出してください。

Kōteki na kotae o dashite kudasai

Please give a positive response.

Give a positive answer.

肯定的な - adjective meaning "affirmative" or "positive"
答え - noun meaning "answer"
を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
出して - verb in the imperative meaning "to give" or "to provide"
ください - verb in the imperative meaning "please"

背後に誰かいるかもしれない。

Ushiro ni dareka iru kamoshirenai

There might be someone behind me.

Maybe someone behind.

背後に - indicates the location "behind"
誰か - means "someone"
いる - Verb "to be" in the present
かもしれない - expression that indicates possibility, "it could be that"

膨脹した経済は持続可能ではない。

Bōchō shita keizai wa jizoku kanō de wa nai

An inflated economy is not sustainable.

The expanded economy is not sustainable.

膨脹した - The word that means "expanded" or "swollen".
経済 - The word that means "economy."
は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
持続可能 - composite word that means "sustainable" or "long-term viable".
ではない - expression that means "it's not".

自然法則は宇宙の秩序を支配しています。

Shizen hōsoku wa uchū no chitsujo o shihai shite imasu

The natural laws govern the order of the universe.

Natural law dominates the order of the universe.

自然法則 - natural law
は - Topic particle
宇宙 - Universe
の - Possession particle
秩序 - order
を - direct object particle
支配 - govern, control
しています - polite form of the verb "to do" in the present progressive

至急連絡してください。

Shikyū renraku shite kudasai

Please contact us urgently.

Please contact us as soon as possible.

至急 - urgent
連絡 - contact
して - make
ください - Please

終点に到着しました。

Shūten ni tōchaku shimashita

We arrived at the end point.

I have reached the end point.

終点 (shūten) - It means "end point" or "final destination".
に (ni) - It is a particle that indicates the location where something happens.
到着 (tōchaku) - It means "arrival" or "disembarkation".
しました (shimashita) - It is the past form of the verb "fazer" or "realizar". In this case, it indicates that the action of reaching the final point has already been completed.

経済の悪化が深刻化しています。

Keizai no akka ga shinkokka shiteimasu

The deterioration of the economy is getting worse.

The economy is getting worse.