Translation and Meaning of: 私 - atashi

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably already come across the word I You may wonder: why are there so many ways to say "I" in this language? This variation, mainly used by women, carries cultural and historical nuances that make it special. In this article, we will explore its etymology, the pictogram kanji, how it is used in daily life, and even tips for memorizing it. If you want to understand the origin of this expression or how to apply it in sentences to study in Anki, keep reading!

In the largest Japanese dictionary, Suki Nihongo, you will find details about writing, practical examples, and even curiosities that go beyond the basics. Here, we will uncover everything from the stroke order of kanji to the reason why あたし it's smoother than other first-person forms. Want to find out why this word is so popular and how to use it without sounding like an anime character? Let's go!

Etymology and Origin of 私 [あたし]

The word I there is an interesting story. Originally, the kanji 私 it was read as わたくし, a formal way to say "I". Over time, the pronunciation has changed in colloquial language, especially among women, until it reached the あたし what we know today. This evolution reflects the tendency of Japanese to shorten and soften expressions in everyday life.

The kanji itself is composed of the radical. ⽲ (rice ear) and ⼛ (particular), suggesting something personal or intimate. No wonder, あたし conveys a more delicate and informal feeling, different from わたし Please provide the text you'd like me to translate. ホクIf you've ever heard a female character in a dorama using this form, now you know why!

Use and Popularity in Modern Japanese

While わたし it is neutral and can be used by anyone in formal situations, あたし It is almost exclusively feminine and sounds more casual. You will hardly hear a man using this variation, unless he is playing a role or joking. In groups of friends or informal conversations, many women opt for it precisely because it conveys a more relaxed image.

It's worth noting that, although common, あたし is not the best choice in professional environments or when speaking with superiors. In these cases, the classic わたし still dominates. A tip? Pay attention to how the female characters in series and manga use this word — it's a great way to get the right context!

Tips for Memorizing and Applying

To solidify I, try associating it with everyday situations. Imagine a friend telling a story: "I watched a movie yesterday!" ("I watched a movie yesterday!"). The softer sound helps to differentiate it from other forms. Another strategy is to create flashcards on Anki with real examples, such as dialogues from doramas or J-pop songs that use this expression.

How about a pun you'll never forget? Think of "I'm not me." ("I am not 'watashi'"). Playing with the differences in pronunciations can be fun and effective. Finally, note: if you are a man, avoid using. あたし unless you are interpreting something — otherwise, it may sound strange to natives. Women, take advantage of the naturalness that this word brings!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• わたし (watashi) - I (neutral use, by a woman)
• 僕 (boku) - I (neutral use, usually by men)
• 俺 (ore) - I (informal, masculine)
• 自分 (jibun) - I (reflexive form)
• あたし (atashi) - I (informal, female use)
• うち (uchi) - I (feminine use, colloquial in some regions)
• わたくし (watakushi) - I (formal use)
• おれ (ore) - I (informal use, masculine, variant of 俺)
• おいら (oira) - I (informal use, often in contexts of friends or groups)
• わし (washi) - I (regional usage, typically by elderly men)
• あたい (atai) - I (female, informal, with a connotation of humility)
• あたくし (atakushi) - I (female, formal)
• じぶん (jibun) - I (reflexive form, like 自分)
• てまえ (temae) - I (a way to refer to oneself, usually in formal situations)
• うちら (uchira) - We (informal)
• がくせい (gakusei) - student
• がくしゃ (gakusha) - Scholar, researcher
• がくちょう (gakuchou) - Academic director
• がくれき (gakureki) - Academic transcript
• がくりょくしゃ (gakuryokusha) - Academic specialist
• がくぶ (gakubu) - University, academic department
• がくほう (gakuha) - Academic direction
• がくしゅう (gakushuu) - Learning, study
• がくしょく (gakushoku) - School meals, meals for students
• がくしょう (gakushou) - Academic recognition, award
• がくそう (gakusou) - Academic courses, study plans
• がくもん (gakumon) - Knowledge construction, academia
• がくせん (gakusen) - Education line, academic line

私

Romaji: atashi
Kana: あたし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: I

Meaning in English: I (fem)

Definition: Someone who exposes themselves.

Example Sentences - (私) atashi

See below some example sentences:

彼女は私を裏切った。

Kanojo wa watashi wo uragitta

She cheated on me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 裏切った (uragitta) - cheated

彼女は私のプレゼントを見て喜びました。

Kanojo wa watashi no purezento o mite yorokobimashita

She was happy to see my present.

She was pleased to see my gift.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - mine
• プレゼント (purezento) - Present
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 見て (mite) - selling
• 喜びました (yorokobimashita) - He was happy

彼女は私を除く誰も招待しなかった。

Kanojo wa watashi o nozoku daremo shōtai shinakatta

She didn't invite anyone but me.

She didn't invite me except me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 除く (nokoru) - except
• 誰も (daremo) - nobody
• 招待 (shoutai) - invitation
• しなかった (shinakatta) - did not

彼女は空港で私を出迎えてくれた。

Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukae te kureta

She received me at the airport.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 空港 (kūkō) - airport
• で (de) - Location particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 出迎えてくれた (demukaetekureta) - received me

彼女は私の意見に反感を示した。

Kanojo wa watashi no iken ni hankann wo shimeshita

She expressed disapproval of my opinion.

She showed my opinion in my opinion.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my
• 意見 (iken) - opinion
• に (ni) - target particle
• 反感 (hankan) - aversion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 示した (shimeshita) - showed

彼女は空港で私を出迎える予定です。

Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukaeru yotei desu

She has plans to meet me at the airport.

She will meet me at the airport.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 空港 (kūkō) - airport
• で (de) - Location particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 出迎える (demukaeru) - receive, find
• 予定 (yotei) - plan, schedule
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女は私を睨んだ。

Kanojo wa watashi o niranda

She looked at me angrily.

She looked at me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 睨んだ (niranda) - stared, faced

彼女は近寄ると私に微笑んだ。

Kanojo wa chikayoru to watashi ni hohoenda

She smiled at me as she approached.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 近寄る (chikayoru) - to approach
• と (to) - particle indicating simultaneous action
• 私 (watashi) - I
• に (ni) - Particle indicating the target of the action
• 微笑む (hohoemu) - to smile

彼女はいつも私を労ってくれる。

Kanojo wa itsumo watashi o itawatte kureru

She always takes care of me.

She always works for me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - means "always" in Japanese
• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 労ってくれる (tsutomete kureru) - The verb that means "to take care of" or "to be concerned about" in Japanese is 世話する (せわする, sewa suru).

彼女は私の誘いを拒否した。

Kanojo wa watashi no sasoi o kyohi shita

She declined my invitation.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - "Meu" in Japanese
• 誘い (sasoi) - "invitation" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 拒否した (kyohi shita) - "refused" in Japanese