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:

私は体重を計ります。

Watashi wa taijuu wo hakarimasu

I weight.

I measured weight.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 体重 (taijuu) - noun meaning "body weight"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "body weight"
• 計ります (hakarimasu) - verb meaning "to measure"

私はプログラミングに打ち込んでいます。

Watashi wa puroguramingu ni uchikonde imasu

I'm focused on programming.

I'm in programming.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• プログラミング (puroguramingu) - programação
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action towards something, in this case "dedication to programming"
• 打ち込んでいます (uchikondeimasu) - verb meaning "to be dedicated to" or "to be immersed in", conjugated in the present continuous

私は彼女のような強い女性に憧れています。

Watashi wa kanojo no you na tsuyoi josei ni akogarete imasu

I admire strong women like her.

I long for a strong woman like her.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - personal pronoun meaning "she"
• の (no) - particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• ような (youna) - expression meaning "like" or "similar to"
• 強い (tsuyoi) - adjective meaning "strong"
• 女性 (josei) - noun meaning "woman"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the target of the action, in this case "to"
• 憧れています (akogareteimasu) - verb meaning "to admire" or "to have admiration for", conjugated in the present tense and polite

私は巻物を巻くのが得意です。

Watashi wa makimono wo maku no ga tokui desu

I am skilled at rolling scrolls.

I am good at wrapping rolls.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 巻物 (makimono) - substantive that means "scroll"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "scroll of parchment"
• 巻く (maku) - verb that means "to enroll"
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the function of the nominal subject of the sentence, in this case "to roll"
• 得意 (tokui) - adjective that means "to be good at"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and affirmative form of the sentence

私は就職活動中です。

Watashi wa shūshoku katsudōchū desu

I'm looking for a job.

I'm looking for a job.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 就職 (shūshoku) - noun meaning "job"
• 活動 (katsudō) - noun meaning "activity"
• 中 (chū) - suffix indicating "in the middle of", in this case "in the middle of looking for a job"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb indicating the polite and formal form of the present tense of the verb "ser/estar"

私は嫌な気分です。

Watashi wa iyana kibun desu

I have an unpleasant feeling.

I feel bad.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 嫌な (iya na) - adjective that means "unpleasant"
• 気分 (kibun) - noun that means "state of mind"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb indicating the polite and formal form of the present tense of the verb "ser/estar"

私は大学で聴講することが好きです。

Watashi wa daigaku de chōkō suru koto ga suki desu

I like to attend university lectures.

I like to listen to college.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 大学 (daigaku) - noun meaning "university"
• で (de) - particle indicating the place where the action takes place, in this case "at the university"
• 聴講する (choukou suru) - compound verb meaning "to attend classes without being enrolled"
• こと (koto) - noun indicating action or event
• が (ga) - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "attending classes without being enrolled"
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality in the sentence

私は毎日家を掃く。

Watashi wa mainichi ie wo haku

I swear home every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 家 (ie) - noun that means "house"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "house"
• 掃く (haku) - verb meaning "to clean", conjugated in the present affirmative

私は東京に住んでいます。

Watashi wa Tokyo ni sumu nde imasu

I live in Tokyo.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 東京 (Tōkyō) - Tokyo city name
• に (ni) - particle indicating location, in this case "in"
• 住んでいます (sunde imasu) - verb meaning "to live" in the present continuous polite

私は日本に滞在する予定です。

Watashi wa Nihon ni taizai suru yotei desu

I have plans to stay in Japan.

I intend to stay in Japan.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 日本 (nihon) - noun meaning "Japan"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates destination or location, in this case "in Japan"
• 滞在する (taizai suru) - "Verb" means "to stay" or "to remain".
• 予定 (yotei) - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense of the sentence