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:

コンパスを使って円を描きました。

Kompasu wo tsukatte en wo egakimashita

I drew a circle using a measure.

I drew a circle using a compass.

• コンパス - compass (in Japanese)
• を - direct object particle
• 使って - using (verb form of 使う - tsukau
• 円 - circle
• を - direct object particle
• 描きました - I drew (verb form of 描く - to draw) draw)

サラリーマンは毎日忙しいです。

Sararīman wa mainichi isogashii desu

Office workers are busy every day.

The salaries are occupied every day.

• サラリーマン - wage worker
• は - Topic particle
• 毎日 - every day
• 忙しい - busy, busy
• です - is

さっと手を洗いました。

Satto te wo araimashita

I quickly washed my hands.

I washed my hands quickly.

• さっと - adverb meaning "quickly"
• 手を洗いました - verb meaning "I washed my hands"

シックなファッションが好きです。

Shikku na fasshon ga suki desu

I like chic fashion.

• シック (shikku) - elegant, sophisticated
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• ファッション (fasshon) - fashion, style
• が (ga) - particle that indicates subject
• 好き (suki) - like, be attracted to
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

シーツを交換する必要があります。

Shiitsu wo koukan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

We need to change the sheets.

You need to replace the sheets.

• シーツ (shītsu) - linen
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 交換する (kōkan suru) - trocar/substituir
• 必要があります (hitsuyō ga arimasu) - Is required

シナリオを書くのはとても楽しいです。

Shinario wo kaku no wa totemo tanoshii desu

Writing a script is very fun.

Writing a scenario is a lot of fun.

• シナリオ (shinario) - It means "script" or "scenario" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 書く (kaku) - The verb that means "to write" in Japanese is 書く (kaku).
• のは (no wa) - Japanese topic particle
• とても (totemo) - adverb meaning "very" in Japanese
• 楽しい (tanoshii) - 楽しい
• です (desu) - verb to be in Japanese

しつこい人は嫌われる。

Shitsukoi hito wa kirawareru

Persistent people are hated.

I hate persistent people.

• しつこい - adjective meaning persistent, insistent
• 人 - noun meaning person
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "persistent people"
• 嫌われる - verb in the passive form meaning to be hated, to be detested

ジャズは私の好きな音楽ジャンルです。

Jazu wa watashi no sukina ongaku janru desu

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

• ジャズ - jazz
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 好き - Like, preference
• な - adjectival particle
• 音楽 - Music
• ジャンル - genre
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

しまった！財布を忘れてきてしまった。

Shimatta! Saifu wo wasurete kite shimatta

Oops! I forgot my wallet.

• しまった！ - Expression in Japanese that can be translated as "damn!" or "oh no!"
• 財布 - Word in Japanese that means "carteira"
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 忘れてきてしまった - The Japanese verb for "forget" conjugated in the past and followed by the particle "て" indicating continuous action and "きて" indicating that the action was performed in the current location. "しまった" is an expression indicating regret or frustration.

ジャンボな飛行機は大きくて素晴らしいです。

Jyanbo na hikouki wa ookikute subarashii desu

Jumbo planes are big and wonderful.

• ジャンボな飛行機 - jumbo jet
• は - Topic particle
• 大きくて - large and
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)