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:

優先順位を設定してください。

Yuusen jun'i wo settei shite kudasai

Please define the priority.

Set the priority.

• 優先順位 - Priority
• を - Article that marks the object of the action
• 設定 - Configure, define
• してください - Please, do it.

先着順で席を確保してください。

Senchaku jun de seki wo kakutoku shite kudasai

Please secure your seat in order of arrival.

Please secure a seat on a first-degree, first-served basis.

• 先着順 (sentei jun) - order of arrival
• で (de) - indication of means or method
• 席 (seki) - Seat
• を (wo) - object particle
• 確保 (kakuho) - Guarantee, ensure
• して (shite) - conjugated form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください (kudasai) - Please

先端技術は常に進化しています。

Sentan gijutsu wa tsuneni shinka shiteimasu

State -of -the -art technology is always evolving.

Advanced technology is constantly evolving.

• 先端技術 (sentan gijutsu) - cutting edge technology
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 常に (tsuneni) - always
• 進化しています (shinka shiteimasu) - is evolving

先輩にはいつも感謝しています。

Senpai ni wa itsumo kansha shiteimasu

I am always grateful to my elderly.

I am always grateful to my elderly.

• 先輩 (senpai) - a Japanese term that refers to someone who is older or more experienced in a certain field
• に (ni) - a Japanese particle that indicates the recipient of the action
• は (wa) - a Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも (itsumo) - a Japanese word meaning "always"
• 感謝 (kansha) - a Japanese word meaning "gratitude"
• しています (shiteimasu) - a polite form of the Japanese verb "suru" meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"

光る星が美しいです。

Hikaru hoshi ga utsukushii desu

The bright stars are beautiful.

The bright stars are beautiful.

• 光る - brillant
• 星 - star
• が - subject particle
• 美しい - beautiful
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

八百屋で新鮮な野菜を買いました。

Yao ya de shinsen na yasai wo kaimashita

I bought fresh vegetables at the vegetable store.

I bought fresh vegetables in a green one.

• 八百屋 (yaoya) - vegetable store
• で (de) - in
• 新鮮な (shinsenna) - fresco
• 野菜 (yasai) - vegetables
• を (wo) - direct object
• 買いました (kaimashita) - bought

公式を使って計算しましょう。

Koushiki wo tsukatte keisan shimashou

Let's calculate using the official formula.

Let's calculate using the formula.

• 公式 (kōshiki) - formula
• を (wo) - object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 計算 (keisan) - Calculation
• しましょう (shimashou) - let's do it

依頼を受けた仕事を全力でこなします。

Irai wo uketa shigoto wo zenryoku de konashimasu

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

I will do my best to do the job I have been given.

• 依頼 - request, application
• を - direct object particle
• 受けた - received (past of the verb 受ける) receive
• 仕事 - work
• を - direct object particle
• 全力で - with all effort, with all strength
• こなします - accomplish, fulfill (verb こなす)

倍率を調整してください。

Bairitsu wo chousei shite kudasai

Please adjust the multiplication rate.

Adjust the magnification.

• 倍率 (ba iritsu) - means "rate of increase" or "magnification" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Object particle in Japanese.
• 調整 (chousei) - means "adjust" or "regular" in Japanese.
• して (shite) - form of the verb "suru" (to do) in Japanese.
• ください (kudasai) - polite expression meaning "please" or "do this for me" in Japanese.
• . (ponto) - punctuation mark used to end a sentence in English.

備えあれば憂いなし

sonae areba urei nashi

Se estiver preparado

Não se preocupe se você estiver preparado

• 備えあれば - "Se você estiver preparado"
• 憂いなし - "Não há preocupação"