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
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."
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (し) shi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (し) shi:
Example Sentences - (し) shi
See below some example sentences:
Shinsa ga kibishii desu
The assessment is rigorous.
The screening is rigorous.
- 審査 - evaluation, inspection
- が - subject particle
- 厳しい - strict, severe
- です - verb to be in the polite form
Fujin wa shakai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashiteimasu
Women play an important role in society.
Women play an important role in society.
- 婦人 - woman
- は - Topic particle
- 社会 - society
- の - Possession particle
- 重要な - important
- 役割 - role/function
- を - direct object particle
- 果たしています - performing
Jou wa utsukushii desu
The young woman is beautiful.
Miss is beautiful.
- 嬢 (jo) - means "young woman" or "girl"
- は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "jo" is the theme of the sentence
- 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective that means "pretty" or "beautiful"
- です (desu) - verb "to be" in the present, indicates that the sentence is in the present tense and is a polite statement
Gakkou no gyouji wa tanoshii desu
School activities are fun.
School events are fun.
- 学校 - school
- の - Possession particle
- 行事 - event
- は - Topic particle
- 楽しい - fun
- です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
Gakujutsu kenkyū wa shakai ni kōken suru jūyōna yakuwari o hatashite imasu
Academic research plays an important role in contributing to society.
Academic research plays an important role in contributing to society.
- 学術研究 - gakujutsu kenkyuu- academic research
- は - wa- Topic particle
- 社会 - shakai- society
- に - ni- target particle
- 貢献する - kouken suru- contribute
- 重要な - juuyou na- important
- 役割 - role- Paper, function
- を - I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.- direct object particle
- 果たしています - hatashite imasu- perform, fulfill
Shubi ga shikkari shite iru chīmu wa shōri ni tsunagaru
A team with a strong defense leads you to victory.
A team with a solid defense leads to victory.
- 守備 - defense
- が - subject particle
- しっかり - Firmly, securely
- している - continuous form of the verb "to do"
- チーム - team
- は - Topic particle
- 勝利 - victory
- に - target particle
- つながる - lead to, conduct to
Anshin shite kudasai
Rest assured.
be sure.
- 安心してください - "Please rest assured"
Ansei ni shite kudasai
Please be quiet.
Please rest.
- 安静 (anjing) - means "silence" or "stillness"
- に (ni) - a particle indicating action or location
- して (shite) - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
- ください (kudasai) - a polite expression meaning "please"
Kanzen ni rikai shita
I completely understood.
I completely understood.
- 完全に - completely
- 理解した - I understand
Hōseki wa utsukushii desu
The jewelry is beautiful.
The jewelry is beautiful.
- 宝石 (hōseki) - It means "precious stone" or "jewel".
- は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "gemstone"
- 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
- です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form
Other Words of this Type: Letter
See other words from our dictionary that are also: Letter
