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:

この公園には美しい噴水があります。

Kono kōen ni wa utsukushii funsui ga arimasu

In this park there is a beautiful fountain.

There is a beautiful fountain in this park.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 公園 - noun that means "park"
• に - particle indicating the location of something, in this case "at"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this park"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 噴水 - noun meaning "spring" or "fountain"
• が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the source"
• あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to be present"

この原稿はまだ完成していません。

Kono genkou wa mada kansei shiteimasen

This manuscript is not yet complete.

This manuscript has not yet been completed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 原稿 - noun that means "manuscript" or "draft"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• まだ - adverb that means "still" or "not... yet"
• 完成 - noun that means "conclusion" or "finalization"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" (to do) in the gerund
• いません - negative form of the verb "aru" (to exist) in the present

この句はとても美しいです。

Kono ku wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sentence is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 句 - noun meaning "verse" or "short poem"
• 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 polite form

この台本は素晴らしいですね。

Kono daihon wa subarashii desu ne

This script is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 台本 - noun that means "script" or "screenplay"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation

この問題は難しいです。

Kono mondai wa muzukashii desu

This problem is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject 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, "is"

この問題はとても易しいです。

Kono mondai wa totemo yasashii desu

This problem is very easy.

This problem is very easy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 易しい - adjective meaning "easy"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

この問題は紛らわしいです。

Kono mondai wa magirawashii desu

This problem is confusing.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem" or "question"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 紛らわしい - adjective that means "confused" or "ambiguous"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題は妥結した。

Kono mondai wa daketsu shita

This issue has been solved.

This problem has been completed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• は - topic particle indicating that what comes before is the main subject of the sentence
• 妥結 - noun that means "resolution" or "agreement"
• した - verb in the past that indicates the action has already been completed

この回路は正常に動作しています。

Kono kairo wa seijō ni dōsa shite imasu

This circuit is working correctly.

This circuit works normally.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 回路 - noun that means "circuit"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this circuit"
• 正常 - adjective meaning "normal"
• に - particle that indicates the state in which the circuit is functioning
• 動作 - noun that means "operation" or "functioning"
• しています - verb that indicates the action of "being functional" or "being operational"

この器はとても美しいです。

Kono utsuwa wa totemo utsukushii desu

This bowl is very beautiful.

This ship is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 器 - noun meaning "utensil", "container" or "vessel"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "this container"
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "pretty", "beautiful" or "elegant"
• です - verb ser/estar in the polite and formal form