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:

只今帰りました。

Tadaima kaerimashita

I just got back now.

I'm back now.

• 只今 (tadaima) - It means "right now" or "I just arrived"
• 帰りました (kaerimashita) - It means "returning home".

各々の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakugaku no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your individual abilities.

We are responsible for each skill.

• 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - Target particle
• 応じて (oujite) - according to, in response to
• 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 負う (ou) - take over, carry

各自の能力に応じて責任を負う。

Kakuzi no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou

Take responsibility according to your own abilities.

Take responsibility according to your abilities.

• 各自の (kakuji no) - Each one, individually
• 能力に応じて (nouryoku ni oujite) - according to ability
• 責任を負う (sekinin wo ou) - taking responsibility

勇ましい戦士が敵を打ち破った。

Yuumashii senshi ga teki wo uchikowashita

The brave warrior defeated the enemy.

A brave warrior defeated the enemy.

• 勇ましい (isamashii) - brave
• 戦士 (senshi) - warrior
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 敵 (teki) - enemy
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 打ち破った (uchi yabutta) - defeated

動的なアプリケーションを開発するのはとても楽しいです。

Douteki na apurikeeshon wo kaihatsu suru no wa totemo tanoshii desu

Developing dynamic applications is very pleasant.

Developing a dynamic app is a lot of fun.

• 動的な - dynamic
• アプリケーション - application
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 開発する - develop
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - very
• 楽しい - fun
• です - verb to be in the polite form

勘定をお願いします。

Kanjo wo onegaishimasu

Please do the bill.

Please give me an account.

• 勘定 (kanjou) - account, invoice
• を (wo) - object particle
• お願いします (onegaishimasu) - please request

勝ちを目指して頑張ります。

Kachi wo mezashite ganbarimasu

I will strive to achieve victory.

I will do my best to win.

• 勝ち - victory
• を - object particle
• 目指して - aiming, looking
• 頑張ります - I will do my best, I will strive.

南北に広がる景色は美しいです。

Nanboku ni hirogaru keshiki wa utsukushii desu

The view stretching south and north is beautiful.

The scenery that has spread to the north and south is beautiful.

• 南北に - indicates the direction to the southeast
• 広がる - verb meaning "to spread" or "to extend"
• 景色 - noun that means "landscape" or "view"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - linking verb indicating present tense and formality

南米は美しい大陸です。

Nanbei wa utsukushii tairiku desu

South America is a beautiful continent.

South America is a beautiful continent.

• 南米 - name of the South American continent
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is the South American continent
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 大陸 - noun meaning "continent"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

初版が出ました。

Shohan ga demashita

The first edition was released.

The first edition was released.

• 初版 - first edition
• が - subject particle
• 出ました - was released