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:

この館は美しいです。

Kono yakata wa utsukushii desu

This mansion is beautiful.

This hall is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 館 - noun meaning "building"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この騒動は早く終わってほしい。

Kono soudou wa hayaku owatte hoshii

I want this hustle to end soon.

I want this turmoil to end sooner.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 騒動 - noun meaning "disturbance" or "confusion"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 早く - adverb that means "quickly" or "soon"
• 終わって - verb in the gerund that means "finishing"
• ほしい - adjective meaning "to want" or "to desire"

この首飾りは美しいですね。

Kono kubikazari wa utsukushii desu ne

This choker is beautiful

This necklace is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 首飾り - noun meaning "glue"
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - ending particle indicating confirmation or a search for agreement

このホテルは高級な設備とサービスを提供しています。

Kono hoteru wa kōkyūna setsubi to sābisu o teikyō shite imasu

This hotel offers luxury equipment and services.

• このホテル - "this hotel"
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 高級な - "Luxurious" in Japanese, with the suffix "na" indicating an adjective.
• 設備 - "Installations" in Japanese
• と - Particle that indicates "and" in Japanese
• サービス - "Services" in Japanese
• を - Particle that indicates the direct object in Japanese
• 提供しています - "Oferece" in Japanese, with the suffix "teiru" indicating continuous action and the verb "teikyou" meaning "to provide"

この会社は優秀な人材を採用することを目指しています。

Kono kaisha wa yūshūna jinzai o saiyō suru koto o mezashite imasu

This company aims to hire exceptional talent.

The company intends to hire excellent human resources.

• この会社 - This company
• は - Topic particle
• 優秀な - Great
• 人材 - Human resources
• を - Direct object particle
• 採用する - Hire
• こと - Abstract noun
• を - Direct object particle
• 目指しています - It is aimed at

この会社には厳しい規定があります。

Kono kaisha ni wa kibishii kitei ga arimasu

This company has strict rules.

• この会社には - "In this company"
• 厳しい - "rigoroso"
• 規定が - "rules exist"
• あります - "There are"

この催しはとても楽しいです。

Kono moyoshi wa totemo tanoshii desu

This event is a lot of fun.

• この催し - "kono saishi" - This event
• は - wa- Topic particle
• とても - totem - Very
• 楽しい - "fun" Funny
• です - desu - Ser/estar (linking verb)

この制度は公正であると信じています。

Kono seido wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this system is fair.

• この制度 - This policy/system
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - Justo/imparcial
• である - To be
• と - Quotation particle
• 信じています - I believe

この商品はどのカテゴリーに属していますか？

Kono shouhin wa dono kategori ni zokushiteimasu ka?

In what category does this product belong to?

What category does this product belong to?

• この商品 - This Product
• は - Topic particle
• どの - "which"
• カテゴリー - "category"
• に - target particle
• 属していますか - "does it belong?" (polite form)

この商品は売り切れてしまいました。

Kono shouhin wa urikirete shimaimashita

This product is sold out.

This product has been exhausted.

• この商品 - This product
• は - Topic particle
• 売り切れてしまいました - Sold out / Sold out completely