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:

この企画は成功すると信じています。

Kono kikaku wa seikou suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this plan will succeed.

I believe this project will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates something close to the speaker
• 企画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
• は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
• 成功 - noun meaning "success"
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• と - particle indicating the quotation of an opinion or thought
• 信じています - verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith", conjugated in the present affirmative

この織物は美しいですね。

Kono orimono wa utsukushii desu ne

This weaving is beautiful

This textile is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun indicating proximity, in this case "this"
• 織物 - noun meaning "fabric"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "the fabric"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• ね - particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation, in this case, "isn't it?"

このプレゼンテーションの主題は何ですか？

Kono purezentēshon no shudai wa nan desu ka?

What is the theme of this presentation?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" in Japanese
• プレゼンテーション - Japanese word meaning "presentation"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or belonging
• 主題 - Japanese word meaning "theme" or "main subject"
• は - particle in Japanese that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - Japanese word meaning "what"
• です - Japanese verb indicating "to be" or "estar" (polite form)
• か - particle in Japanese that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark in Japanese that indicates a question

この判定は正しいですか？

Kono hantei wa tadashii desu ka?

Is this decision correct?

Is this judgment correct?

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 判定 - noun that means "judgment" or "evaluation".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 正しい - adjective that means "correct" or "right".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.
• か - particle that indicates a question.
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question.

この新しい製品には多くの反響がありました。

Kono atarashii seihin ni wa ooku no hankyō ga arimashita

This new product had a lot of repercussions.

This new product got a lot of response.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here" in Japanese
• 新しい - adjective that means "new" in Japanese
• 製品 - noun that means "product" in Japanese
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or time in Japanese
• 多くの - an adjective that means "many" in Japanese
• 反響 - noun that means "reaction" or "response" in Japanese
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence in Japanese
• ありました - verb that means "there was" or "existed" in Japanese, in the polite past

この問題を解くのは難しいです。

Kono mondai o toku no wa muzukashii desu

Solving this problem is difficult.

It is difficult to solve this problem.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 問題 - noun that means "problem" or "issue".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 解く - verb that means "to resolve" or "to solve".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• は - Particle that marks the topic of the sentence.
• 難しい - adjective that means "difficult" or "complicated".
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality in the Japanese language.

この皿はとても美しいです。

Kono sara wa totemo utsukushii desu

This sign is very beautiful.

This dish is very beautiful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 皿 - Noun meaning "dish".
• は - Topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• とても - Adverb meaning "a lot".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - A linking verb that indicates the state or quality of the subject.

この案は素晴らしいですね。

Kono an wa subarashii desu ne

This idea is wonderful.

This plan is wonderful.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 案 - noun that means "idea" or "proposal."
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this idea."
• 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "excellent".
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.
• ね - a particle of completion that indicates confirmation or agreement, in this case, "isn't it?"

このケーキは出来上がりました。

Kono keeki wa dekiagari mashita

This cake is ready.

This cake is completed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• ケーキ - noun meaning "cake"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 出来上がりました - verb meaning "to be ready" or "to be finished"

このサービスには申し分ない。

Kono saabisu ni wa moushibun nai

This service is perfect.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• サービス - noun that means "service"
• には - particle that indicates the existence of something in a specific place or moment
• 申し分 - noun that means "fault" or "defect"
• ない - suffix indicating negation