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:

互いに理解し合うことが大切です。

Tagai ni rikai shiau koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to understand each other.

• 互いに - means "each other" or "mutually".
• 理解 - means "understanding" or "comprehension".
• し合う - is a verb form that indicates the action of "doing together" or "helping each other".
• こと - is a noun meaning "thing" or "subject".
• が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 大切 - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です - is a polite way of saying "ser" or "estar".

交番には警察官が常駐しています。

Koban ni wa keisatsukan ga jūchū shite imasu

Cops reside in the police box.

• 交番 (Koban) - Police station
• には (niwa) - indicates the location of the subject (at the police station)
• 警察官 (keisatsukan) - police officer
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence (the police officer)
• 常駐しています (jūchū shiteimasu) - is always present

交渉は相手とのコミュニケーションの重要な要素です。

Koushou wa aite to no komyunikeeshon no juuyou na youso desu

Negotiations are an important factor in communicating with the other party.

• 交渉 - Negotiation
• は - Topic particle
• 相手 - partner/opponent
• と - connecting particle
• の - Possession particle
• コミュニケーション - Communication
• の - Possession particle
• 重要な - important
• 要素 - element
• です - Verb to be/estar

人事を担当する部署に所属しています。

Jinji wo tantou suru busho ni shozoku shiteimasu

I belong to the department responsible for personnel matters.

I belong to a department in charge of HR.

• 人事 - Human resources
• を - object particle
• 担当する - Responsible for
• 部署 - Department
• に - Destination particle
• 所属しています - Is affiliated

人情を大切にしましょう。

Ninjou wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value human feelings.

Let's value humanity.

• 人情 - It means "human feeling" or "human emotion."
• を - object particle.
• 大切 - means "important" or "precious".
• に - destination or location particle.
• しましょう - polite and polite way of the verb "fazer".

今年度の予算は増えました。

Konendo no yosan wa fuetamashita

This year's budget has increased.

• 今年度の - This fiscal year
• 予算は - budget
• 増えました - Increased

今年の年鑑はとても素晴らしいです。

Kotoshi no nenkan wa totemo subarashii desu

This year's annual look is very wonderful.

• 今年の - This year
• 年鑑 - directory
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• です - verb to be in the polite form

今度は一緒に行きましょう。

Kondo wa issho ni ikimashou

Let's go together this time.

• 今度 - "this time"
• は - Topic particle
• 一緒に - Together
• 行きましょう - "let's go"

今日は天気が荒れるかもしれません。

Kyou wa tenki ga areru kamoshiremasen

Today it may be that time becomes stormy.

Time may be difficult today.

• 今日 - today
• は - Topic particle
• 天気 - time weather
• が - subject particle
• 荒れる - become agitated/turbulent
• かもしれません - maybe/possibly

今日の試合はとても激しかった。

Kyou no shiai wa totemo hageshikatta

Today's match was very intense.

• 今日の - of today
• 試合 - "game"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - "very"
• 激しかった - "intense"