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:

このシステムの仕組みはどうなっていますか？

Kono shisutemu no shikumi wa dou natte imasu ka?

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that.

What is the mechanism of this system?

• この - indicate a nearby or recently mentioned object, in this case, "this"
• システム - system
• の - possessive particle, in this case, "of the system"
• 仕組み - mechanism, structure
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• どう - how
• なっていますか - polite way to ask "is becoming", "is happening", "is working", etc.
• ？ - question mark

このサイトの運営はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono saito no un'ei wa totemo subarashii desu

The management of this site is very good.

The operation of this site is very wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• サイト - noun "website"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 運営 - noun "management"
• は - topic particle "about"
• とても - adverb "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective "wonderful"
• です - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense

この商品の包装はとても美しいです。

Kono shouhin no housou wa totemo utsukushii desu

The packaging of this product is very beautiful.

The packaging of this product is very beautiful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 商品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise".
• の - Particle that indicates possession or relationship.
• 包装 - noun that means "packaging".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• とても - adverb that means "very" or "extremely".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

この情報を拡散してください。

Kono jōhō o kakusan shite kudasai

Please spread this information.

Disseminate this information.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 情報 - noun meaning "information".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 拡散 - noun that means "diffusion" or "propagation".
• して - Conjugated form of the verb "suru" which means "to do/make."
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai" which means "please"

このウェブサイトの構成は非常にシンプルです。

Kono webusaito no kōsei wa hijō ni shinpuru desu

The structure of this website is very simple.

Setting up this site is very simple.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ウェブサイト - compound word that means "website"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 構成 - noun meaning "composition" or "structure"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• シンプル - adjective meaning "simple"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この役の台詞はとても難しいです。

Kono yaku no serifu wa totemo muzukashii desu

The lines of this paper are very difficult.

The line of this role is very difficult.

• この - this
• 役 - paper
• の - of
• 台詞 - speak
• は - is
• とても - very
• 難しい - difficult
• です - is (politeness)

この病気の診断は難しいです。

Kono byōki no shindan wa muzukashii desu

Diagnosing this disease is difficult.

The diagnosis of this disease is difficult.

• この - this
• 病気 - disease
• の - of
• 診断 - diagnosis
• は - is
• 難しい - difficult
• です - is

この賞品を進呈します。

Kono shōhin o shintei shimasu

I present this award.

This award will be presented.

• この - this
• 賞品 - award
• を - direct object particle
• 進呈 - present, offer
• します - verb "to do" in polite form

この絵画の感触はとても美しいです。

Kono kaiga no kanshoku wa totemo utsukushii desu

The feel of this frame is very beautiful.

The feel of this painting is very beautiful.

• この - indicates "this" or "this one"
• 絵画 - means "painting" or "picture"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 感触 - means "tactile sensation" or "texture"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating the polite or formal form

この山の展望は素晴らしいですね。

Kono yama no tenbou wa subarashii desu ne

The view of this hill is wonderful.

The view of this mountain is wonderful.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• 山 - means "mountain"
• の - particle of possession, in this case, "of the mountain"
• 展望 - means "view, panorama"
• は - topic particle, in this case "about"
• 素晴らしい - means "wonderful, splendid"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - confirmation particle, in this case, "isn't it?"