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:

このシステムの運用はスムーズに行われています。

Kono shisutemu no unyō wa sumūzu ni okonawarete imasu

The operation of this system is carried out smoothly.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 運用 - noun that means "operation" or "maintenance"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• スムーズに - adverb that means "gently" or "without problems"
• 行われています - verb meaning "to be carried out" or "to be executed" in the present continuous

このシールは簡単に付く。

Kono shiiru wa kantan ni tsuku

This sticker sticks easily.

This sticker is easily attached.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• シール - noun meaning "sticker" or "label"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 簡単に - adverb meaning "easily" or "simply"
• 付く - verb meaning "to adhere" or "to stick"

このシステムは非常に効率的です。

Kono shisutemu wa hijō ni kōritsu desu

This system is very efficient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 効率的 - efficient
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このシステムの配置は効率的です。

Kono shisutemu no haichi wa kōritsuteki desu

The arrangement of this system is efficient.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• システム - substantive that means "system"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 配置 - noun that means "disposition" or "arrangement"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 効率的 - adjective that means "efficient" or "productive"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence

このシャツを染める必要がある。

Kono shatsu wo someru hitsuyou ga aru

I need to dye this shirt.

You need to dye this shirt.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• シャツ - noun meaning "shirt"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 染める - verb that means "to dye"
• 必要 - noun that means "need" or "essential"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb that means "to exist," "to have," or "to be"

このシャツはすぐに汚れる。

Kono shatsu wa sugu ni yogoreru

This shirt dirty quickly.

This shirt gets dirty immediately.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• シャツ - noun meaning "shirt"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this shirt"
• すぐに - adverb that means "immediately" or "quickly"
• 汚れる - verb that means "to become dirty" or "to stain"

このビジネスは儲かると思います。

Kono bijinesu wa mōkaru to omoimasu

I think this business will be profitable.

I think this business will be profitable.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ビジネス - noun that means "business"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 儲かる - verb that means "to profit" or "to generate profit"
• と - particle indicating the quotation of an opinion or thought
• 思います - verb meaning "to think" or "to believe"

このデザインは美しいパターンを持っています。

Kono dezain wa utsukushii patān o motte imasu

This design has a beautiful pattern.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• デザイン - noun that means "design"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• パターン - noun meaning "pattern" or "model"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 持っています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess" in the present

このプロジェクトには多くのリスクが伴う。

Kono purojekuto ni wa ooku no risuku ga tomonau

This project involves many risks.

This project has many risks.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or time
• 多くの - adjective that means "many" or "much"
• リスク - noun that means "risk"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 伴う - verb that means "to accompany" or "to be together with"

このプロジェクトには大きな見込みがある。

Kono purojekuto ni wa ookina mikomi ga aru

This project has great perspectives.

This project has a great perspective.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or moment
• 大きな - adjective that means "big" or "important"
• 見込み - noun that means "perspective" or "expectation"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"