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."

Quick Access
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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:

この図形は美しいです。

Kono zukei wa utsukushii desu

This figure is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
図形 - noun that means "geometric figure"
は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this geometric figure"
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb to be or to be in the polite form

この地域の特産品は非常に美味しいです。

Kono chiiki no tokusanhin wa hijō ni oishii desu

Special products in this area are very delicious.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
地域 - noun meaning "region"
の - possessive particle that indicates ownership or belonging
特産品 - compound noun that means "specialized product" or "typical product"
は - topic particle indicating the main subject of the sentence
非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
です - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

この地方の名産品は美味しいです。

Kono chihō no meisanshin wa oishii desu

This local specialty is delicious.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
地方 - Noun that means "region" or "location"
の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
名産品 - compound noun meaning "local product" or "region's specialty"
は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking

この字体は美しいですね。

Kono jitai wa utsukushii desu ne

This source is beautiful

This source is beautiful.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
字体 - noun that means "font" or "style of writing"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
です - verb to be in the polite form
ね - particle at the end of a sentence that indicates confirmation or seeks agreement

この店屋は美味しいラーメンを提供しています。

Kono ten'ya wa oishii ramen o teikyō shite imasu

This shop offers delicious ramen.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
店屋 - noun that means "store" or "commercial establishment"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "this store"
美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
ラーメン - noun that means "ramen," a Japanese noodle dish
を - direct object particle that indicates the object of the sentence, in this case "ramen"
提供しています - verb meaning "to provide" or "to offer", conjugated in the present continuous to indicate an action in progress, in this case "is providing"

この建物は明治時代に建てられました。

Kono tatemono wa Meiji jidai ni tateraremashita

This building was built during the Meiji era.

This building was built in the Meiji era.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
建物 - noun meaning "building"
は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case, "this building"
明治時代 - compound noun meaning "Meiji Era", a period of Japanese history that took place between 1868 and 1912
に - particle that indicates the time when something happened, in this case, "it was built in the Meiji Era"
建てられました - past passive verb meaning "was built"

この料理はとても美味しいです。

Kono ryōri wa totemo oishii desu

This food is very delicious.

This dish is very delicious.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
とても - adverb meaning "very"
美味しい - adjective meaning "delicious"
です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of discourse

この料理は初めて試しました。

Kono ryōri wa hajimete tameshimashita

I tried this dish for the first time.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
料理 - noun that means "cuisine" or "dish"
は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
初めて - adverb meaning "for the first time"
試しました - The verb in the past that means "I tried" or "I tasted"

この映画は素晴らしい脚色で作られました。

Kono eiga wa subarashii kyakushoku de tsukuraremashita

This movie was made with great adaptation.

この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
映画 - noun meaning "film"
は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "splendid"
脚色 - noun that means "script" or "adaptation"
で - particle that indicates the means or method used to do something
作られました - passive verb in the polite past form meaning "was done" or "was produced"