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:

この光景は美しいです。

Kono koukei wa utsukushii desu

This scene is beautiful.

This view is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 光景 - noun that means "scene" or "landscape"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and that the scene is beautiful

この判決は公正であると信じています。

Kono hanketsu wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this decision is fair.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 判決 - Noun that means "verdict" or "sentence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• である - verb to be in its formal form
• と - particle that indicates direct quotation
• 信じています - verb that means "believe" or "trust" in a polite and present form

この品質は素晴らしいです。

Kono hinshitsu wa subarashii desu

This quality is excellent.

This quality is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 品質 - noun that means "quality"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この問題について論じる必要がある。

Kono mondai ni tsuite ronjiru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

It is necessary to discuss this problem.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
• について - expression that indicates "about"
• 論じる - verb that means "to discuss"
• 必要 - noun meaning "need"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Verb that means "to exist"

この土地は荒廃している。

Kono tochi wa kouhai shite iru

This land is in ruins.

This land is devastating.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 土地 - noun meaning "land", "terrain"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 荒廃 - noun meaning "desolation", "devastation"
• している - continuous form of the verb する (to do), indicating an action in progress

この国は安定しています。

Kono kuni wa antei shiteimasu

This country is stable.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 国 - noun that means "country"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 安定 - noun meaning "stability"
• しています - compound verb meaning "is keeping"

この土地は敵によって占領されました。

Kono tochi wa teki ni yotte senryou sare mashita

This land has been occupied by the enemy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 土地 - noun meaning "land", "terrain"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 敵 - noun meaning "enemy"
• によって - expression that indicates the cause or agent of an action, in this case "por"
• 占領 - noun that means "occupation", "dominion"
• されました - passive voice in the polite form, indicating that the action was done by another person

この地名はとても美しいです。

Kono chimei wa totemo utsukushii desu

This place name is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地名 - noun that means "name of place"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この塔はとても美しいです。

Kono tou wa totemo utsukushii desu

This tower is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 塔 - noun that means "tower"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "this tower" is the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the present tense

この地点には美しい景色が見えます。

Kono chiten ni wa utsukushii keshiki ga miemasu

In this place

You can see a beautiful landscape at this time.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地点 - noun that means "point" or "location"
• に - particle that indicates "in" or "at"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "this point"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 景色 - noun that means "landscape" or "view"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "the beautiful landscape"
• 見えます - verb that means "can be seen"