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:

整備が完了しました。

Seibi ga kanryou shimashita

The maintenance has been completed.

The maintenance has been completed.

• 整備 - maintenance, repair
• が - subject particle
• 完了 - conclusion, finalization
• しました - polite past form of the verb "suru" (to do)

新婚旅行は楽しいですね。

Shinkon ryokou wa tanoshii desu ne

Honeymoon is fun

The honeymoon is fun.

• 新婚旅行 - Means "honeymoon" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "honeymoon".
• 楽しい - adjective meaning "fun" or "pleasant."
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.
• ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation of what has been said.

方々に散歩するのは楽しいです。

Houhou ni sanpo suru no wa tanoshii desu

It's fun to walk around in all directions.

It's fun to take a walk around people.

• 方々 (houhou) - means "everywhere" or "in every corner".
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action, in this case, "everywhere".
• 散歩する (sanpo suru) - verb meaning "to stroll" or "to walk".
• のは (no wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "walking".
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - adjective meaning "fun" or "pleasant."
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence.

旅客は新幹線で旅行します。

Ryokaku wa shinkansen de ryokou shimasu

Passengers travel by bullet train.

Passengers travel by Shinkansen.

• 旅客 (ryokaku) - passenger
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 新幹線 (shinkansen) - bullet-train
• で (de) - Location particle
• 旅行 (ryokou) - trip
• します (shimasu) - verb "to do" in polite form

日付を確認してください。

Hiduke wo kakunin shite kudasai

Please check the date.

Check the date.

• 日付 (data) - indicates that it is necessary to check the date
• を (partícula) - indicates the object of the action
• 確認 (verificar) - action that must be taken
• してください (por favor faça) - polite request for the action to be taken

日帰り旅行が楽しいです。

Nikkari ryokou ga tanoshii desu

Day trips are enjoyable.

A day trip is fun.

• 日帰り旅行 - One-day trip
• が - Subject particle
• 楽しい - Funny
• です - polite way of being

日本には美しい山脈がたくさんあります。

Nihon ni wa utsukushii sanmyaku ga takusan arimasu

There are many beautiful mountain ranges in Japan.

There are many beautiful mountains in Japan.

• 日本 - Japan
• に - particle indicating destination or location
• は - topic particle, which indicates the main subject of the sentence
• 美しい - beautiful
• 山脈 - Mountain chain
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - many
• あります - verb "existir" in the present affirmative

日本は美しい国です。

Nihon wa utsukushii kuni desu

Japan is a beautiful country.

Japan is a beautiful country.

• 日本 - Japan
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - beautiful
• 国 - country
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

改定されたルールに従って行動してください。

Kaitē sareta rūru ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the revised rules and act according to them.

Act according to the revised rules.

• 改定された - amended, revised
• ルール - rule
• に従って - according to, following
• 行動 - action, behavior
• してください - Please, make.

改訂版の書籍を買いました。

Kaitei

I bought a book.

I bought a revised book.

• 改訂版 - revised edition
• の - Possession particle
• 書籍 - book
• を - direct object particle
• 買いました - I bought