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:

別々に行きましょう。

Wakarebanashi ni ikimashou

Let's each go separately.

Let's go separately.

• 別々に - adverb that means "separately" or "individually"
• 行きましょう - verb that means "let's go" or "let's leave"

刺繍は美しいです。

Shishuu wa utsukushii desu

Embroidery is beautiful.

• 刺繍 - embroidery
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• です - verb to be in the polite form

刺激が欲しい。

Shigeki ga hoshii

I want stimulation/excitement.

I want a boost.

• 刺激 (shigeki) - stimulus, excitement
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 欲しい (hoshii) - to want, to desire

刺身は美味しいです。

Sashimi wa oishii desu

Sashimi is delicious.

• 刺身 - sashimi, raw slices of fish or seafood
• は - Topic particle
• 美味しい - Delicious, tasty
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating affirmation or politeness

割り勘しましょうか？

Warikan shimashou ka?

Want to share the account?

Should I divide it?

• 割り勘 - equal splitting of a bill among several people
• しましょうか - Japanese expression that means "shall we do?" or "should we do?"

加味した料理は美味しいです。

Kami shita ryouri wa oishii desu

The dishes you add are delicious.

• 加味した (kamishita) - added flavor
• 料理 (ryouri) - dish, cuisine
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 美味しい (oishii) - delicious
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

加留多は美しい名前です。

Karuuta wa utsukushii namae desu

Kasuta is a beautiful name.

• 加留多 - first name in Japanese
• は - Topic marking particle
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 名前 - noun meaning "name"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

労力を惜しまずに頑張ろう。

Ryouryoku wo oshimazu ni ganbarou

Let's do our best without sparing any effort.

• 労力 - Physical or mental effort
• を - direct object particle
• 惜しまずに - without saving, without economizing
• 頑張ろう - let's make an effort, let's do our best

勇敢に挑戦しよう！

Yuukan ni chousen shiyou!

Let's challenge boldly!

Let's bravely challenges!

• 勇敢 (yūkan) - brave
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the target or the manner of an action
• 挑戦 (chōsen) - Challenge
• しよう (shiyou) - volitive form of the verb "to do", indicating a suggestion or invitation to do something
• ！ (ponto de exclamação) - punctuation mark used to express excitement or emphasis

動詞は日本語の文法で重要な役割を果たします。

Doushi wa nihongo no bunpou de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The verb plays an important role in Japanese grammar.

• 動詞 (doushi) - verb
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 文法 (bunpou) - grammar
• で (de) - Location particle
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たします (hatashimasu) - perform/fulfill