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:

私は毎月貯金をしています。

Watashi wa maitsuki chokin o shiteimasu

I save money every month.

I save every month.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 毎月 (maitsuki) - Japanese adverb meaning "every month"
• 貯金 (chokin) - 日本語の名詞で「貯金」を意味します。
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• しています (shiteimasu) - Japanese verb that means "I am doing" (polite form)

私は新しいレシピを試すことが好きです。

Watashi wa atarashii reshipi o tamesu koto ga suki desu

I like to try new recipes.

I like to try a new recipe.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい (atarashii) - 新しい (atarashii)
• レシピ (reshipi) - Japanese noun that means "recipe".
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 試す (tamesu) - Japanese verb that means "to try" or "to test"
• こと (koto) - Japanese noun that means "thing" or "action"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - Japanese adjective that means "like"
• です (desu) - Japanese auxiliary verb that indicates present tense and formality of the sentence

私は料理にいろいろなスパイスを交ぜるのが好きです。

Watashi wa ryōri ni iroiro na supaisu o mazeru no ga suki desu

I like to mix multiple spices in my food.

I like to mix various cooking spices.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 料理 (ryouri) - Japanese noun meaning "cooking" or "culinary"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle indicating action or destination
• いろいろな (iroirona) - Japanese adjective that means "various" or "diverse"
• スパイス (supaisu) - Japanese noun meaning "seasoning" or "condiment"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 交ぜる (mazeru) - Japanese verb that means "mix" or "combine"
• の (no) - Japanese particle indicating possession or explanation
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - Japanese adjective that means "like" or "appreciate"
• です (desu) - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

私は溺れることを恐れています。

Watashi wa oboreru koto o osoreteimasu

I'm afraid of drowning.

I'm afraid of drowning.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 溺れる (oboreru) - Japanese verb meaning "to drown"
• 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
• 恐れています (osoreteimasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to be afraid"

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"

私は晩酌するのが好きです。

Watashi wa banshaku suru no ga suki desu

I like to drink at night.

I like to have a drink.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 晩酌 (banshō) - Japanese noun that means "to drink at night"
• する (suru) - Japanese verb meaning "to do"
• のが (noga) - Japanese particle that indicates the function of the nominal subject of the sentence.
• 好き (suki) - Japanese adjective that means "like"
• です (desu) - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

私は隙がないように努力しています。

Watashi wa sukima ga nai you ni doryoku shiteimasu

I'm trying hard not to have gaps.

I'm working hard not to take a chance.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 隙 (suki) - Japanese noun meaning "gap", "gap", "opportunity"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ない (nai) - negative form of the verb "aru" (to be)
• ように (you ni) - Japanese expression indicating the intention or purpose of an action
• 努力 (doryoku) - Japanese noun meaning "effort", "dedication"
• しています (shite imasu) - present form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "imasu" (to be doing)

私は貯金からお金を引き出す必要があります。

Watashi wa chokin kara okane o hikidasu hitsuyō ga arimasu

I need to withdraw money from my savings.

I need to withdraw money from the economy.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 貯金 (chokin) - 日本語の名詞で「貯金」を意味します。
• から (kara) - Japanese particle that means "of"
• お金 (okane) - Japanese noun that means "money"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 引き出す (hikidasu) - Japanese verb that means "to withdraw."
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Japanese adjective meaning "necessary"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります (arimasu) - Japanese verb that means "to exist"

私の尻は痛いです。

Watashi no shiri wa itai desu

My ass hurts.

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 尻 (shiri) - noun meaning "buttocks" or "ass" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 痛い (itai) - adjective meaning "sore" or "sick" in Japanese
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of speech in Japanese

私の内線番号は何ですか？

Watashi no naisen bangou wa nan desu ka?

What is my internal extension number?

What is my extension number?

• 私 (watashi) - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 内線番号 (naisen bangou) - The expression that means "extension number" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 (nani) - interrogative pronoun that means "what" in Japanese
• ですか (desu ka) - expression that indicates a formal question in Japanese