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

忙しい

isogashii

busy; irritated

勇ましい

isamashii

brave; valiant; gallant; courageous

慌ただしい

awatadashii

busy; rushed; confused; hectic

怪しい

ayashii

suspect; doubtful; uncertain

後回し

atomawashi

postponing

厚かましい

atsukamashii

insolent; shameless; impudent

新しい

atarashii

new

悪しからず

ashikarazu

Don't get me wrong, but...; I'm sorry.

浅ましい

asamashii

miserable; shameful; petty; negligible; abject

煩わしい

wazurawashii

problematic; irritating; complicated

Romaji: shi
Kana:
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:

彼女は真実を明かした。

Kanojo wa shinjitsu o akashita

She revealed the truth.

She revealed the truth.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - she
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 真実 (shinjitsu) - truth
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 明かした (akashita) - revealed
彼女を引き止めるのは難しいです。

Kanojo wo hikitomeru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to stop her from leaving.

It's hard to stop her.

  • 彼女 (kanojo) - means "girlfriend"
  • を (wo) - direct object particle
  • 引き止める (hikitomeru) - verb meaning "to stop, prevent, withhold"
  • のは (no wa) - Topic particle
  • 難しい (muzukashii) - adjective meaning "difficult"
  • です (desu) - copulative verb that indicates "to be" or "to be"
彫刻は美しい芸術です。

Choukoku wa utsukushii geijutsu desu

Sculpture is a beautiful art form.

Sculpture is a beautiful art.

  • 彫刻 - sculpture
  • は - Topic particle
  • 美しい - beautiful
  • 芸術 - art
  • です - be (state verb)
役に立つ情報を探しています。

Yaku ni tatsu jōhō o sagashite imasu

I am looking for useful information.

I am looking for useful information.

  • 役に立つ - useful
  • 情報 - information
  • を - direct object particle
  • 探しています - searching
彼は罪を犯した。

Kare wa tsumi o okashita

He committed a crime.

He has sinned.

  • 彼 (kare) - He
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 罪 (tsumi) - Sin, crime
  • を (wo) - Direct object particle
  • 犯した (okashita) - Committed
彼は強引に彼女を部屋に押し込んだ。

Kare wa gouin ni kanojo o heya ni oshikomunda

He pushed her hard into the room.

He pushed her into the room.

  • 彼 - He
  • は - Topic particle
  • 強引に - Forcibly, violently
  • 彼女を - She (direct object)
  • 部屋に - In the living room
  • 押し込んだ - He pushed in
彼を説得するのは難しいです。

Kare wo settoku suru no wa muzukashii desu

It's hard to convince him.

It is hard to convince him.

  • 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
  • を - Direct object particle in Japanese
  • 説得する - Japanese verb that means "to convince".
  • のは - subjectivity particle in Japanese
  • 難しい - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
  • です - verb to be in Japanese
彼は才能を発揮した。

Kare wa sainou o hakki shita

He showed his talent.

He was talented.

  • 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 才能 - noun meaning "talent"
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 発揮 - "Verb" means "exhibit" or "demonstrate"
  • した - The past form of the verb "する" (to do) is "did."
平日は忙しいです。

Heijitsu wa isogashii desu

During the week

I'm busy during the week.

  • 平日 (heijitsu) - working days/week
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 忙しい (isogashii) - busy
  • です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite form)
座標を入力してください。

Zahyou wo nyuuryoku shite kudasai

Please enter the coordinates.

Please enter the coordinates.

  • 座標 (zah-yoh) - coordinates
  • を (wo) - object particle
  • 入力 (nyuu-ryoku) - entry, insertion
  • して (shite) - form of the verb suru (to do)
  • ください (kudasai) - please give me
Anterior Please provide the text you would like me to translate.

Other Words of this Type: Letter

See other words from our dictionary that are also: Letter

幹線

kansen

main line; trunk line

苦情

kujyou

complaint; problems; objection

atama

head

inishie

antique; old times

売り切れ

urikire

sold out