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:

このプロジェクトを纏めるのはあなたの責任です。

Kono purojekuto o matomeru no wa anata no sekinin desu

It is your responsibility to put this project together.

It is your responsibility to summarize this project.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 纏める - verb that means "organize" or "coordinate"
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の - Particle that indicates possession
• 責任 - noun meaning "responsibility"
• です - verb that indicates the polite form of the present indicative

この事業は成功するでしょう。

Kono jigyou wa seikou suru deshou

This business will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 事業 - noun that means "business" or "enterprise"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "this company"
• 成功する - verb meaning "to succeed" or "to be successful"
• でしょう - particle that indicates a presumption or probability, in this case "probably"

この事件は大きな騒動を引き起こした。

Kono jiken wa ookina soudou wo hikiokoshita

This case caused a great deal of turmoil.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 事件 - noun meaning "incident" or "event"
• は - topic particle indicating that what follows is the main subject of the sentence
• 大きな - adjective meaning "big" or "important", followed by the linking particle "na"
• 騒動 - noun meaning "disturbance" or "confusion"
• を - object particle indicating that what follows is the direct object of the sentence
• 引き起こした - verb meaning "caused" or "provoked", conjugated in the past and followed by the ending particle "ta"

この仕上がりは素晴らしいですね。

Kono shiagari wa subarashii desu ne

This finish is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕上がり - noun that means "finishing" or "completion"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking
• ね - particle of completion that indicates the expectation of confirmation or agreement from the interlocutor

この二つの会社は合同して新しいプロジェクトを始めます。

Kono futatsu no kaisha wa gōdō shite atarashii purojekuto o hajimemasu

These two companies start a new project together.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 二つ - numeral meaning "two"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 会社 - noun meaning "company"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 合同して - compound verb meaning "to unite" or "to come together"
• 新しい - adjective meaning "new"
• プロジェクト - noun meaning "project"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 始めます - verb meaning "to begin"

この仕事に適する人材を探しています。

Kono shigoto ni tekisuru jinzai wo sagashiteimasu

We are looking for a suitable candidate for this work.

I am looking for a person who is suitable for this work.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕事 - noun meaning "work" or "occupation"
• に - particle that indicates destination or goal
• 適する - Verb that means "to be suitable" or "to be appropriate"
• 人材 - noun that means "talent" or "human resources"
• を - particle that indicates direct object
• 探しています - verb that means "to search for" or "to look for" in the present continuous

この仕上げは素晴らしいですね。

Kono shiage wa subarashii desu ne

This finish is wonderful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 仕上げ - noun that means "finishing" or "completion"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
• です - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense
• ね - ending particle indicating a rhetorical question or confirmation

この会館は美しい建物です。

Kono kaikan wa utsukushii tatemono desu

This association is a beautiful building.

This hall is a beautiful building.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 会館 - noun meaning "headquarters of an organization" or "meeting house"
• は - topic particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "this building"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 建物 - noun meaning "building" or "construction"
• です - linking verb that indicates the existence or state of something, in this case, "is"

この作品は出品されました。

Kono sakuhin wa shuppin sare mashita

This work was put for sale.

This work was displayed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作品 - noun meaning "work" or "artistic work"
• は - topic particle which indicates that what comes before it is the main subject of the sentence
• 出品 - noun meaning "exhibition" or "display of works of art"
• されました - passive verb in the polite form, indicating that the action was carried out by someone, but not specifying who

この作戦は成功すると信じています。

Kono sakusen wa seikō suru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this strategy will succeed.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 作戦 - noun meaning "strategy" or "plan of action"
• は - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 成功する - verb meaning "to succeed" or "to be successful"
• と - grammatical particle indicating a direct quotation
• 信じています - compound verb meaning "to believe" or "to have faith"