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:

私は毎日浴室でシャワーを浴びます。

Watashi wa mainichi yokushitsu de shawaa o abimasu

I take a shower every day in the bathroom.

I take a bath in the bathroom 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"
• 浴室 (yokushitsu) - noun meaning "bathroom"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the place where the action takes place, in this case, "in the bathroom"
• シャワー (shawa-) - noun meaning "shower"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "shower"
• 浴びます (abimasu) - Verb that means "to take a shower"

私は紙を丸めました。

Watashi wa kami o marumemashita

I loved the paper.

I rounded the paper.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 紙 (kami) - noun that means "paper"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case, "paper"
• 丸めました (marumemashita) - verb that means "to knead" or "to roll" in the past

私は神様が私たちの人生を司ると信じています。

Watashi wa kamisama ga watashitachi no jinsei o tsukasadoru to shinjite imasu

I believe God will control our lives.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 神様 (kamisama) - noun that means "god"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "god"
• 私たち (watashitachi) - personal pronoun meaning "we"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "our"
• 人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "life"
• 司る (tsukasadoru) - verb that means "to govern" or "to control"
• と (to) - particle that indicates direct quotation, in this case, "that"
• 信じています (shinjiteimasu) - verb that means "to believe" or "to have faith" conjugated in the affirmative present

私は甘いものを好みます。

Watashi wa amai mono o konomimasu

I prefer sweet things.

I like candies.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 甘い (amai) - Adjective that means "sweet"
• もの (mono) - noun that means "thing"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "thing"
• 好みます (konomimasu) - verb that means "to like"

私は演劇が大好きです。

Watashi wa engeki ga daisuki desu

I love theater.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 演劇 (engeki) - noun that means "theater" or "drama"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "theater"
• 大好き (daisuki) - The adjective that means "to like a lot" or "to adore" is "adorável" in Portuguese, which translates to "adorable" in English.
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

私は洋服が好きです。

Watashi wa youfuku ga suki desu

I like western clothes.

I like clothes.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 洋服 (youfuku) - noun meaning "Western clothing"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "western clothing"
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

私は古い着物を繕いました。

Watashi wa furui kimono wo tsukuroimashita

I fixed an old kimono.

I noticed the old kimono.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 古い (furui) - adjective meaning "old"
• 着物 (kimono) - noun meaning "kimono", a traditional Japanese garment
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 繕いました (tsukuraimashita) - verb that means "I fixed" or "I repaired"

私は作曲が大好きです。

Watashi wa sakkyoku ga daisuki desu

Eu amo compor música.

Eu amo composição.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 作曲 (sakkyoku) - substantivo que significa "composição musical"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved" or "adored"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the state or condition of the subject

私はバイオリンを演奏するのが好きです。

Watashi wa baiorin o ensou suru no ga suki desu

I like to play the violin.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• バイオリン (baiorin) - word in Japanese that means "violin"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 演奏する (ensousuru) - verb meaning "to play (an instrument)"
• のが (noga) - particle that indicates the nominal subject function of the sentence
• 好き (suki) - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence

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