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:

この字は美しいですね。

Kono ji wa utsukushii desu ne

This letter is beautiful

This character is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 字 - kanji which means "character" or "letter"
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle of confirmation or agreement

この壷は美しい色合いをしています。

Kono tsubo wa utsukushii iroai o shiteimasu

This vase has a beautiful color combination.

This pan has a beautiful shade.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 壷 - noun that means "jug" or "vase"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "this jar" is the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 色合い - noun that means "combination of colors" or "hue"
• を - direct object particle indicating that "the combination of colors" is the object of the sentence
• しています - verb that means "to have" or "to possess," in the present tense and polite form

この実物はとても美しいです。

Kono jitsubutsu wa totemo utsukushii desu

This royal piece is very beautiful.

This real thing is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 実物 - noun that means "real object"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "実物"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この宝器は美しいですね。

Kono houki wa utsukushii desu ne

This jar is beautiful

This treasure is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 宝器 - noun meaning "vessel of treasure" or "receptacle of value"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation
• . - Period

この山の道は起伏が激しいですね。

Kono yama no michi wa kifuku ga hageshii desu ne

This mountain road is intensely wavy.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 山 - noun that means "mountain"
• の - particle indicating possession, in this case, "of the mountain"
• 道 - noun that means "path"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the path of the mountain"
• 起伏 - noun that means "ups and downs"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the ups and downs"
• 激しい - Adjective that means "intense" or "strong"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence
• ね - particle that indicates the expectation of confirmation or agreement from the listener, in this case, "isn't it?"

この建物はとても美しいです。

Kono tatemono wa totemo utsukushii desu

This construction is very beautiful.

This building is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この映画は美しい景色が映る。

Kono eiga wa utsukushii keshiki ga utsuru

This movie shows beautiful landscapes.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 映画 - noun meaning "film"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• 景色 - noun meaning "landscape"
• が - subject particle that indicates who is performing the action
• 映る - Verb that means "to be reflected" or "to be projected"

この景色は美しいです。

Kono keshiki wa utsukushii desu

This landscape is beautiful.

This view is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 景色 - noun meaning "landscape"
• は - particle that marks the theme of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective that means "pretty, beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この枝はとても美しいです。

Kono eda wa totemo utsukushii desu

This branch is very beautiful.

This branch is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 枝 - noun meaning "twig"
• 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 polite form

この杯はとても美しいです。

Kono hai wa totemo utsukushii desu

This cup is very beautiful.

This cup is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 杯 - Noun that means "glass" or "cup"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject 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