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:

私は毎朝早く起こすことができます。

Watashi wa maiasa hayaku okosu koto ga dekimasu

I can wake up early every morning.

I can wake up early every morning.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎朝 (maiasa) - adverb meaning "every morning"
• 早く (hayaku) - adverb meaning "early"
• 起こす (okosu) - verb meaning "to wake up"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or event
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• できます (dekimasu) - Verb that means "to be able to"

私は毎日料理を作る。

Watashi wa mainichi ryōri o tsukuru

I cook every day.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 料理 (ryouri) - The Japanese noun that means "cuisine" or "cooking" is "料理" (りょうり, ryōri).
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 作る (tsukuru) - Japanese verb that means "to do" or "to prepare"

私は毎日インターネットでニュースを閲覧します。

Watashi wa mainichi intaanetto de nyuusu o etsuran shimasu

I read news on the internet every day.

I surf the news on the internet every day.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• インターネット (intānetto) - word in Japanese that means "internet"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or location where something happens
• ニュース (nyūsu) - Japanese word meaning "news"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 閲覧します (etsuran shimasu) - japanese verb that means "to read" or "to see"

私は食べ物を控える必要があります。

Watashi wa tabemono o hikaeru hitsuyō ga arimasu

I need to abstain from eating.

I need to abstain from food.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 食べ物 (tabemono) - Japanese noun meaning "food"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 控える (hikaeru) - Japanese verb that means "to abstain" or "to restrict oneself."
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Japanese adjective meaning "necessary"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります (arimasu) - Japanese verb that means "to exist" or "there is"

私は車の中で吐いてしまった。

Watashi wa kuruma no naka de haiteshimatta

I threw up in the car.

I threw up in the car.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 車 (kuruma) - Japanese noun that means "car"
• の (no) - possessive particle that indicates that the car belongs to someone
• 中 (naka) - Japanese noun meaning "inside"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the place where the action took place
• 吐いてしまった (haite shimatta) - Japanese verb that means "vomited" (in the past and with a connotation of regret)

私は試験前にいつも慌てます。

Watashi wa shiken mae ni itsumo awatemasu

I always get agitated before the exams.

I always panic before the exam.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 試験 (shiken) - Japanese noun that means "exam"
• 前に (mae ni) - expression meaning "before"
• いつも (itsumo) - Japanese adverb meaning "always"
• 慌てます (awatemasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to become agitated, nervous"

私は計画を見直す必要があると思います。

Watashi wa keikaku wo minaosu hitsuyou ga aru to omoimasu

I think I need to review my plan.

I think I need to review the plan.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 計画 (keikaku) - Japanese noun meaning "plan"
• を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• 見直す (minaosu) - Japanese verb meaning "to review" or "reconsider"
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Japanese adjective meaning "necessary"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• ある (aru) - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
• と (to) - quotation particle that indicates what was thought or said
• 思います (omoimasu) - Japanese verb that means "to think" or "to believe"

私は肘をぶつけて痛いです。

Watashi wa hiji o butsukete itai desu

I hit my elbow and hurt.

I hurt my elbow and hurt.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 肘 (hiji) - Japanese noun meaning "elbow"
• を (wo) - object particle indicating the direct object of the action
• ぶつけて (butsukete) - Japanese verb meaning "to hit" or "to collide"
• 痛い (itai) - Japanese adjective meaning "sore" or "painful"
• です (desu) - linking verb indicating the existence or state of something

私は明日図書館から本を借りる予定です。

Watashi wa ashita toshokan kara hon wo kariru yotei desu

I plan on borrowing a book from the library tomorrow.

I plan to rent a book from the library tomorrow.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 明日 (ashita) - Japanese adverb that means "tomorrow"
• 図書館 (toshokan) - Japanese noun meaning "library"
• から (kara) - particle indicating the origin or starting point, in this case, "from the library"
• 本 (hon) - Japanese noun meaning "book"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action, in this case, "book"
• 借りる (kariru) - Japanese verb meaning "to lend"
• 予定 (yotei) - Japanese noun meaning "plan" or "schedule"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and courtesy in the Japanese language

私は新しいレシピを試みることに決めました。

Watashi wa atarashii reshipi o kokoromiru koto ni kimemashita

I decided to try a new recipe.

I decided to try a new recipe.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• レシピ (reshipi) - Japanese noun that means "recipe".
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action, in this case "recipe"
• 試みる (kokoromiru) - Japanese verb that means "to try"
• ことに (koto ni) - expression that indicates the intention or decision to do something
• 決めました (kimemashita) - Japanese verb meaning "decide" in the past tense