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:

この商品の取り扱いには十分注意してください。

Kono shouhin no toriatsukai ni wa juubun chuui shite kudasai

Please be careful enough when handling this product.

Be careful when handling this product.

• この商品 - This product
• の - Possessive particle
• 取り扱い - Handling
• には - Particle that indicates focus or attention
• 十分 - Sufficient
• 注意 - Attention
• してください - Please, do it.

この命令に従って行動してください。

Kono meirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow the instructions in this command.

Please act according to this request.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 命令 - noun that means "order" or "command"
• に - particle that indicates action or destination
• 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
• 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
• ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"

この問題の判定は難しいです。

Kono mondai no hantei wa muzukashii desu

Assessing this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to judge this issue.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that "問題" belongs to something or someone
• 判定 - noun that means "judgment" or "evaluation"
• は - topic particle indicating that "判定" is the topic of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated"
• です - linking verb that indicates the existence or state of something, in this case, that "判定" is difficult

この店の陳列はとても美しいです。

Kono mise no chinretsu wa totemo utsukushii desu

The display of this store is very beautiful.

The display of this store is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 店 - noun that means "store" or "commercial establishment"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case "of the store"
• 陳列 - noun that means "exhibition" or "disposition of products in a store"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the exhibition"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb that indicates the polite and courteous way of affirming something, in this case "is"

この指令に従って行動してください。

Kono shirei ni shitagatte kōdō shite kudasai

Please follow these instructions and take the necessary action.

Please act according to this command.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 指令 - noun that means "order" or "instruction"
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• 従って - adverb that means "according to" or "as"
• 行動 - noun that means "action" or "behavior"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
• ください - polite form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"

この文章の文体はとても美しいです。

Kono bunshou no buntai wa totemo utsukushii desu

The writing of this text is very beautiful.

The style of this sentence is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 文章 - noun meaning "text" or "written"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 文体 - noun meaning "writing style" or "literary style"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present, used to indicate formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

この料理は名人の手によって作られました。

Kono ryōri wa meijin no te ni yotte tsukuraremashita

This dish was made by a master chef.

This dish was made by the master.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
• は - Topic tag that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this cuisine"
• 名人 - noun that means "specialist" or "master"
• の - possessive particle indicating the possession relationship, in this case "of the master"
• 手 - noun that means "hand" or "skill"
• によって - "done by the hands of the master"
• 作られました - passive verb in the past form that means "was done" or "was prepared"

この書類の写しを取ってください。

Kono shorui no utsushi o totte kudasai

Please make a copy of this document.

Please take a copy of this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the document is "of this"
• 写し - noun that means "copy" or "reproduction"
• を - direct object particle that indicates that the action is performed on the "copy"
• 取って - verb "toru" in the -te form that means "to take" or "to obtain"
• ください - expression that indicates a request or solicitation, equivalent to "please"

この書類は正式な様式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa seishiki na yōshiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in an official format.

Submit this document in a formal style.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正式な - adjective meaning "formal" or "official"
• 様式 - noun meaning "shape" or "style"
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 提出して - verb meaning "to hand over" or "to submit"
• ください - expression indicating a request or request

この書類を整列してください。

Kono shorui wo seiretsu shite kudasai

Please organize these documents.

Align this document.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 整列 - verb that means "to organize" or "to arrange in a line"
• してください - expression that indicates a request or instruction, equivalent to "please do"