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

Related words

ブラシ

burashi

brush; brush

ビジネス

bizinesu

business

バッジ

bazi

distinctive

パジャマ

pazyama

Pajamas; pajamas

トランジスター

toranzisuta-

transistor

ティッシュペーパー

thisyupe-pa-

tissue

デコレーション

dekore-syon

decoration

デモンストレーション

demonsutore-syon

demonstration

チェンジ

tyenzi

change

タクシー

takushi-

Taxi

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."

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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:

代用品を探しています。

Daiyōhin o sagashiteimasu

I'm looking for a substitute.

代用品 - Substitute
を - object particle
探しています - I'm looking for

以下のようにお願いします。

Ijou no you ni onegaishimasu

Please do as below.

Please inquire as follows.

以下 - means "below" in Japanese
のように - means "how" in Japanese
お願いします - means "please" in Japanese

仮名を勉強するのは楽しいです。

Kana wo benkyou suru no wa tanoshii desu

Learning kana is fun.

It's fun to study Kana.

仮名 - means "kana", which is one of the Japanese writing systems.
勉強する - means "to study".
のは - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
楽しい - means "fun" or "pleasant".
です - is a polite way of saying "is" or "is".

仲間と一緒にいると楽しいです。

Nakama to issho ni iru to tanoshii desu

It's fun to be with friends.

It's fun to be with your friends.

仲間 - It means "companion/friend"
と - it is a particle that indicates the company of someone
一緒に - It means "together/with"
いる - It is a verb that indicates the action of being present.
と - it is a particle that indicates the company of someone
楽しい - It is an adjective that means "fun/enjoyable"
です - It is a particle that indicates formality and the end of the sentence.

人々が列をなして並ぶ。

Hitobito ga retsu o natte narabu

People form a straight line.

People align in a line.

人々 - means "people" in Japanese.
が - It is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
列 - "Fila" means "line" in Japanese.
を - is a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
なして - it is the negative form of the verb "並ぶ" which means "to stand in line".
並ぶ - "to line up"

人命を大切にしましょう。

Jinmei wo taisetsu ni shimashou

Let's value human life.

人命 - human life
を - object particle
大切 - important, valuable
に - target particle
しましょう - kind way of the verb "do", indicating a suggestion or request

人生は予期せぬ方向に転じることがある。

Jinsei wa yokisenu houkou ni tenjiru koto ga aru

Life can change direction unexpectedly.

Life can turn in an unexpected direction.

人生 - Life
は - Topic particle
予期せぬ - Inesperado
方向 - Direction
に - Destination particle
転じる - change
こと - Abstract noun
が - Subject particle
ある - exist

人造の花は美しいです。

Jinzou no hana wa utsukushii desu

Artificial flowers are beautiful.

人造の花 - It means "artificial flowers."
は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "artificial flowers".
美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.

人類は地球上で最も進化した生物の一つです。

Jinrui wa chikyūjō de mottomo shinka shita seibutsu no hitotsu desu

Humanity is one of the most evolved creatures on earth.

人類 (jinrui) - Human race
は (wa) - Topic particle
地球上 (chikyuu jou) - in the land
で (de) - Location particle
最も (mottomo) - the most
進化した (shinka shita) - evolved
生物 (seibutsu) - Living being
の (no) - Possession particle
一つ (hitotsu) - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
です (desu) - Verb "to be"