Translation and Meaning of: 新しい - atarashii

If you are learning Japanese, you have certainly come across the word 新しい (あたらしい), which means "new." But do you know how it originated, how it is used in daily life, or even how to memorize it more easily? In this article, we will thoroughly explore this essential word, from its etymology to practical tips for fixing it in your mind. Here at Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, you will also discover how to correctly write the kanji and learn ready-made phrases to include in your Anki or other spaced repetition system.

In addition to its basic meaning, there is much to uncover about あたらしい. For example, did you know that this word has an interesting connection to the concept of "freshness" and "renewal"? And that its kanji hides a visual story that can help with memorization? Let's go!

Etymology and Origin of 新しい

The word 新しい has ancient roots in Japanese, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). Originally, it was written as "あたらし" (atarashi) and only later received the kanji 新. Interestingly, some linguists believe the term is related to the concept of "value" (価値), since new things tend to be more valuable. Another theory suggests a connection with "ata" (貴), which means "precious" – after all, the new always seems more special, doesn't it?

The kanji 新 is a fascinating pictographic combination. It unites the radical for "tree" (木) with "cut" (斤), literally symbolizing "cutting fresh wood." This mental image can be useful for memorizing the character: think of lumberjacks working with freshly cut logs, still smelling of resin. This concrete association helps to solidify both the writing and the meaning.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In Japan, あたらしい goes far beyond simply describing newly acquired objects. It carries a nuance of freshness and possibility. When a Japanese person says "新しい携帯" (new cellphone), there is a sparkle in their eyes – it's almost as if they are talking about a new beginning. This word constantly appears in advertisements, especially during the launch of technological products, where novelty is a supreme value.

An interesting usage is in the expression "新しい風" (atarashii kaze), which literally means "new wind," but refers to a sense of renewal, whether in politics, business, or even relationships. It is also common to hear "新しいことを始める" (starting something new) during the Japanese New Year, showing how the culture values new beginnings. Try using this phrase the next time you want to impress a Japanese friend with your plans!

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

To remember the kanji 新, how about creating a visual story? Imagine that the left side (木) is a tree, and the right side (斤) is an axe chopping it – you are literally "doing something new" by transforming the wood. As for the pronunciation, notice how "あたらしい" sounds like "a ta ra shi i" – almost as if you're presenting something enthusiastically: "Ah, see? Ha! Shi! It's new!"

A cultural curiosity: in Japan, saying that something is "新しい" can have positive or negative connotations. While new products are celebrated, in human relations it may suggest a lack of experience. Therefore, be cautious when calling your boss "新しい社長" (new president) – it's better to use "新任の" (newly appointed) to sound more polite. So, are you ready to use 新しい like a native?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

新しい (Atarashii) - New; recent
新規の (Shinki no) - new; unprecedented; used to describe something that has not been used before, such as a product or service.
新たな (Aratana) - new; renewed; used in more formal contexts
新たなる (Aratanaru) - uma nova forma
新しき (Atarashiki) - new; an ancient or literary form of "new"
新しめ (Atarashime) - relatively new; a bit new
新た (Arata) - new; used in more formal contexts
新しいもの (Atarashii mono) - new thing; new item or object
新しい方 (Atarashii kata) - a new person; a way to refer to someone new
新しいの (Atarashii no) - the new; used informally to refer to something new
新しいこと (Atarashii koto) - new thing; a new situation or fact
新しい形 (Atarashii katachi) - new form; referring to a new format or structure
新しいタイプ (Atarashii taipu) - new type; a new style or category
新しいスタイル (Atarashii sutairu) - new style; used in contexts of fashion or design
新しいデザイン (Atarashii dezain) - new design; referring to a new project or aesthetic
新しいアイデア (Atarashii aidea) - new idea; a new concept
新しい発想 (Atarashii hassou) - new thought; a new way of thinking
新しい試み (Atarashii kokoromi) - new effort; a new attempt or experiment
新しい展開 (Atarashii tenkai) - new development; a new evolution in a situation
新しい挑戦 (Atarashii chousen) - new challenge; a new test or adventure
新しいスタート (Atarashii sutaato) - new beginning; a new start
新しい人生 (Atarashii jinsei) - new life; a new path in life
新しい世界 (Atarashii sekai) - new world; a new space for experiences
新しい時代 (Atarashii jidai) - new era; a new historical or cultural phase
新しい風 (Atarashii kaze) - new wind; a new perspective or influence
新しい息吹 (Atarashii ibuki) - new breath; a new strength or vitality
新しい血液 (Atarashii ketsueki) - new blood; symbolizing new energies or influences
新しいエネルギー (Atarashii enerugi) - new energy; a new strength or vigor
新しい可能性 (Atarashii kanousei) - new possibilities; new opportunities or potentials
新しい未来 (Atarashii mirai) - new future; new perspectives for tomorrow

Related words

ニュー

ni-

new

新た

arata

new; fresh; original

丸っきり

marukkiri

completely; perfectly; as if

初めて

hajimete

for the first time

創造

souzou

creation

新鮮

shinsen

fresco

新築

shinchiku

New building; new construction

新

shin

new

新しい

Romaji: atarashii
Kana: あたらしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: new

Meaning in English: new

Definition: Something that recently appeared or was created.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (新しい) atarashii

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (新しい) atarashii:

Example Sentences - (新しい) atarashii

See below some example sentences:

私は毎日新しいことを学ぶことが大切だと思います。

Watashi wa mainichi atarashii koto wo manabu koto ga taisetsu da to omoimasu

I believe it's important to learn new things every day.

I think it's important to learn something new everyday.

私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
毎日 (mainichi) - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
こと (koto) - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
を (wo) - Japanese particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
学ぶ (manabu) - Japanese verb that means "to learn"
こと (koto) - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
が (ga) - Japanese particle that marks the subject of the sentence
大切 (taisetsu) - Japanese adjective that means "important"
だ (da) - Japanese verb that means "to be"
と (to) - Japanese particle that indicates the quotation of an opinion or thought
思います (omoimasu) - Japanese verb that means "to think"

私の靴は新しいです。

Watashi no kutsu wa atarashii desu

My shoes are new.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "my"
靴 (kutsu) - noun meaning "shoe"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "the shoes"
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
です (desu) - linking verb indicating existence or state, in this case, "are"

私は新しいバッグを買いたいです。

Watashi wa atarashii baggu o kaitai desu

I want to buy a new bag.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
バッグ (baggu) - noun that means "bag" or "suitcase"
を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
買いたい (kaitai) - verb in the form of desire that means "want to buy"
です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the formality and courtesy of the sentence

私はショップで新しい衣服を買いました。

Watashi wa shoppu de atarashii ifuku o kaimashita

I bought new clothes in the store.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
ショップ (shoppu) - Japanese word meaning "store"
で (de) - Subtitle indicating the location where the action took place, in this case, "na loja"
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
衣服 (ifuku) - Japanese word meaning "clothes"
を (wo) - Direct object marker indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "clothing"
買いました (kaimashita) - verb that means "I bought"

私は新しいプロジェクトの構想を考えています。

Watashi wa atarashii purojekuto no kōsō o kangaete imasu

I'm thinking of ideas for a new project.

I'm thinking of a new project.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
プロジェクト (purojekuto) - noun meaning "project"
の (no) - particle indicating possession or relationship between nouns, in this case, "of the project"
構想 (kousou) - noun meaning "conception" or "idea"
を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "thinking about a new project conception"
考えています (kangaeteimasu) - verb meaning "to be thinking", conjugated in the present continuous polite

私は新しい職に就く予定です。

Watashi wa atarashii shoku ni tsuku yotei desu

I have plans to take on a new job.

I intend to get a new job.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
職 (shoku) - noun that means "work"
に (ni) - particle that indicates the direction or target of the action, in this case "to"
就く (tsuku) - verb that means "to assume" or "to occupy"
予定 (yotei) - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense of the sentence

私は新しい衣服を買いたいです。

Watashi wa atarashii ifuku o kaitai desu

I want to buy new clothes.

私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
新しい (atarashii) - adjective meaning "new"
衣服 (ifuku) - The noun that means "clothing" is "服" (ふく, fuku) in Japanese.
を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
買いたい (kaitai) - verb in the desejative form meaning "to want to buy"
です (desu) - auxiliary verb indicating the formality of the sentence

私は新しい服を買いたいです。

Watashi wa atarashii fuku o kaitai desu

I want to buy new clothes.

私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
服 - Japanese noun that means "clothing"
を - direct object particle that indicates the object of the action, in this case "clothes"
買いたい - Japanese verb that means "to want to buy"
です - Japanese auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence.