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:

この本の表紙は美しいです。

Kono hon no hyōshi wa utsukushii desu

The cover of this book is beautiful.

The cover of this book is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• の - particle that indicates ownership, in this case, "of the book"
• 表紙 - noun meaning "cover (of a book)"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the cover"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject, in this case, "is"

この薬の用法をよく読んでから使用してください。

Kono kusuri no yōhō o yoku yonde kara shiyō shite kudasai

Please read the instructions for using this medicine carefully before using it.

Read the use of this medicine carefully before using it.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 薬 - noun meaning "remedy" or "medicine"
• の - possessive particle indicating that the preceding noun is the owner or origin of something
• 用法 - noun meaning "how to use" or "instructions for use"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• よく - adverb meaning "well" or "properly"
• 読んで - verb form of "ler" in the imperative
• から - particle indicating the reason or motive for something
• 使用して - verb form of "use" in the imperative
• ください - verb meaning "please" or "do"

この試験の採点は公正に行われました。

Kono shiken no saiten wa kousei ni okonawaremashita

The correction of this exam was done fairly.

The score of this exam was quite fair.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 試験 - noun meaning "exam" or "test"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 採点 - noun meaning "correction" or "evaluation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• に - particle that indicates the way or manner in which something is done
• 行われました - verb in the passive form meaning "was accomplished" or "was done"

この部屋の装飾は美しいです。

Kono heya no sōshoku wa utsukushii desu

The decoration of this room is beautiful.

The decoration in this room is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 部屋 - noun that means "room" or "hall"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
• 装飾 - noun that means "decoration" or "ornament"
• は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

このアイスクリームは滑らかでとても美味しいです。

Kono aisukurīmu wa subaraka de totemo oishii desu

This ice cream is smooth and very delicious.

This ice cream is smooth and very delicious.

• この - indicates that something is near or present, in this case "this"
• アイスクリーム - "ice cream" in Japanese
• は - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "ice cream"
• 滑らか - "soft" or "smooth"
• で - particle indicating the means or method, in this case "de"
• とても - "very"
• 美味しい - "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この果実はとても甘くて美味しいです。

Kono kajitsu wa totemo amakute oishii desu

This fruit is very sweet and delicious.

This fruit is very sweet and delicious.

• この - indicates that something is near or being pointed out
• 果実 - fruit
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the fruit
• とても - very
• 甘くて - sweet and
• 美味しい - savory
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この精巧な彫刻は本当に美しいです。

Kono seikou na choukoku wa hontou ni utsukushii desu

This intricate carving is really beautiful.

This elaborate sculpture is really beautiful.

• この - indicates that the object is close to the speaker, it can be translated as "this".
• 精巧な - an adjective that means "precise" or "elaborate."
• 彫刻 - noun that means "sculpture" or "carving".
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, can be translated as "about" or "regarding".
• 本当に - Adverb meaning "really" or "truly".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.

この機械は故障しています。

Kono kikai wa koshou shiteimasu

This machine is defective.

This machine is broken.

• この - indicates that what follows is something close or related to the speaker
• 機械 - machine
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 故障 - failure, defect
• しています - polite form of the verb "suru" (to do) in continuous form, indicating that the machine is defective

この美術館に寄贈された作品は素晴らしいです。

Kono bijutsukan ni kizon sareta sakuhin wa subarashii desu

The works donated to this museum are marvelous.

The work donated to this museum is wonderful.

• この - indicates that what follows is close or related to the speaker
• 美術館 - art museum
• に - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 寄贈された - The verb "kizō" in the past tense means "donated."
• 作品 - Work of art
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - The adjective "subarashii" means "wonderful."
• です - the verb "desu", which indicates the polite and formal way of speaking

この細い線を描くのは難しいです。

Kono hosoi sen wo egaku no wa muzukashii desu

Drawing that fine line is difficult.

It's hard to draw that fine line.

• この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
• 細い - adjective that means "thin" or "narrow"
• 線 - noun that means "line"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "the line"
• 描く - verb that means "to draw" or "to paint"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "draw the fine line"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb "to be" in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is a polite statement