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

Related words

ブラシ

burashi

brush; brush

ビジネス

bizinesu

business

バッジ

bazi

distinctive

パジャマ

pazyama

Pajamas; pajamas

トランジスター

toranzisuta-

transistor

ティッシュペーパー

thisyupe-pa-

tissue

デコレーション

dekore-syon

decoration

デモンストレーション

demonsutore-syon

demonstration

チェンジ

tyenzi

change

タクシー

takushi-

Taxi

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."

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (し) shi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (し) shi:

Example Sentences - (し) shi

See below some example sentences:

この本は絶版になってしまった。

Kono hon wa zetuban ni natte shimatta

This book is out of circulation.

This book is exhausted.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
本 - noun meaning "book"
は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
絶版 - out of stock
に - particle indicating action or state in a given place or time
なってしまった - verb "なる" in the past form and with the particle "しまう" which indicates a completed action or an unwanted result

この案を検討してみましょう。

Kono an o kentō shite mimashou

Let's consider this proposal.

Let's consider this plan.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
案 - noun meaning "idea" or "project"
を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
検討 - verb meaning "to consider", "to examine" or "to analyze"
して - conjugated form of the verb "suru" meaning "to do"
みましょう - polite and encouraging form of the verb "miru" which means "to see" or "to try"

この本はとても気に入りました。

Kono hon wa totemo ki ni irimashita

I really liked this book.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
本 - noun meaning "book"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this book"
とても - adverb meaning "very"
気に入りました - verb meaning "I liked it very much", composed of the following elements -
- 気 - noun meaning "feeling", "emotion" or "will"
- に - particle indicating an action towards something or someone, in this case, "like"
- 入りました - verb meaning "to enter", but in this context it is used as an idiomatic expression indicating "to like very much"

この経路は最短でしょうか？

Kono keiro wa saisho deshou ka?

Is this the shortest way?

Is this route shorter?

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
経路 - noun meaning "route" or "path"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this route"
最短 - adjective that means "the shortest" or "the fastest"
でしょうか - phrase that indicates a polite question or a suggestion
？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この絵は美しい着色がされています。

Kono e wa utsukushii chakushoku ga sarete imasu

This painting has a beautiful color.

This image is beautifully colored.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
絵 - noun that means "painting" or "drawing"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
着色 - noun that means "coloring" or "painting"
が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
されています - passive verb in the polite form meaning "was done" or "was painted"

この結晶は美しいですね。

Kono kesshō wa utsukushī desu ne

This crystallization is beautiful

This crystal is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
結晶 - noun that means "crystal"
は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb to be/in shape polite
ね - ending particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

この美術館は素晴らしい展示をしています。

Kono bijutsukan wa subarashii tenji o shiteimasu

This museum has a wonderful display.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
美術館 - noun meaning "art museum"
は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this art museum"
素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
展示 - noun meaning "display" or "exhibition"
を - direct object particle indicating the target of the action, in this case, "display/exhibition"
しています - verb meaning "to be doing" or "to be accomplishing"

この薬の効果は素晴らしいです。

Kono kusuri no kouka wa subarashii desu

The effect of this drug is wonderful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
薬 - noun meaning "medicine"
の - possessive particle indicating that the medicine is the object of the sentence
効果 - noun meaning "effect"
は - topic particle indicating that the effect of the medicine is the subject of the sentence
素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
です - auxiliary verb indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative
. - period indicating the end of the sentence

この製品の対応は非常に迅速でした。

Kono seihin no taiou wa hijou ni jinsoku deshita

The answer of this product was very fast.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
製品 - noun meaning "product" or "merchandise"
の - possessive particle that indicates that the previous noun is the possessor
対応 - noun that means "response" or "treatment"
は - topic particle indicating that the preceding noun is the topic of the sentence
非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
迅速 - adjective that means "fast" or "agile"
でした - verb "to be" in the polite past