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:

この題は難しいです。

Kono dai wa muzukashii desu

This question is difficult.

This title is difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 題 - noun that means "title" or "subject"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この風景は美しいです。

Kono fuukei wa utsukushii desu

This landscape is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 風景 - The noun that means "landscape" or "scenery".
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this landscape"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb "to be" in a polite and formal way

この部屋は空しいです。

Kono heya wa munashii desu

This room is empty.

This room is empty.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 部屋 - noun that means "room" or "hall"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 空しい - Adjective that means "empty" or "vacant"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

この計画には明るい見通しがある。

Kono keikaku ni wa akarui mitooshi ga aru

This plan has a bright outlook.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one";
• 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project";
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a certain place or moment, in this case, "in relation to this plan";
• 明るい - adjective meaning "bright" or "illuminated", used here to indicate a positive perspective in relation to the plan;
• 見通しが - noun that means "vision" or "perspective", followed by the particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "there is a perspective";
• ある - verb that means "to exist" or "to have", used here to indicate the existence of a positive perspective in relation to the plan.

この契約は破棄されました。

Kono keiyaku wa haki sare mashita

This contract was canceled.

This contract was destroyed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this"
• 契約 - noun meaning "contract"
• は - topic particle that indicates that what comes after is the main subject of the sentence
• 破棄 - noun meaning "cancellation" or "termination"
• されました - passive verb in the polite form that indicates that the action was performed in the past

このコースはとても難しいです。

Kono kōsu wa totemo muzukashii desu

This course is very difficult.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• コース - noun that means "course"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 難しい - adjective meaning "difficult"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このシャツは安っぽいです。

Kono shatsu wa yasuppoi desu

This shirt looks cheap.

This shirt is cheap.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• シャツ - noun meaning "shirt"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 安っぽい - adjective meaning "cheap", "of poor quality"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

このシーズンはとても暑いですね。

Kono shīzun wa totemo atsui desu ne

This season is very hot.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• シーズン - noun that means "season"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 暑い - adjective that means "hot"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or a request for confirmation

この付近には美味しいレストランがたくさんあります。

Kono fukin ni wa oishii resutoran ga takusan arimasu

There are many delicious restaurants near here.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 付近 - noun that means "neighborhood"
• には - particle that indicates "in" or "on"
• 美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
• レストラン - noun meaning "restaurant"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - adverb that means "many"
• あります - Verb that means "to exist"

この公演はとても素晴らしいです。

Kono kouen wa totemo subarashii desu

This presentation is very wonderful.

This performance is very wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 公演 - noun meaning "presentation" or "performance"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this presentation"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the simple present