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:

私は文学が大好きです。

Watashi wa bungaku ga daisuki desu

I love literature.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 文学 (bungaku) - "literature" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 大好き (daisuki) - means "like very much" in Japanese
• です (desu) - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私は彼女に会うときはいつもどきどきしています。

Watashi wa kanojo ni au toki wa itsumo dokidoki shiteimasu

I always get anxious when I find her.

I always throb when I know it.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 彼女 (kanojo) - It means "she" or "girlfriend" in Japanese.
• に (ni) - destination particle in Japanese
• 会う (au) - verb that means "to find" or "to meet" in Japanese.
• とき (toki) - noun that means "time" or "moment" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• いつも (itsumo) - adverb that means "always" in Japanese
• どきどき (dokidoki) - onomatopoeia that represents the sound of a heart beating fast, used to express nervousness or anxiety in Japanese
• しています (shiteimasu) - present form of the verb "suru" which means "to do" in Japanese

私は定期券を持っています。

Watashi wa teikiken wo motteimasu

I have a monthly pass.

I have a traveler pass.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 定期券 (teikiken) - It means "monthly pass" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 持っています (motteimasu) - It means "I have" in Japanese.

私は今日の仕事を済ますつもりです。

Watashi wa kyō no shigoto o sumasu tsumori desu

I intend to finish my work today.

I will finish my work today.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 今日 (kyou) - means "today" in Japanese.
• の (no) - Possession particle in Japanese
• 仕事 (shigoto) - "work" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 済ます (sumasu) - means "conclude" or "end" in Japanese
• つもり (tsumori) - means "intention" or "planning" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私はタイプが速いです。

Watashi wa taipu ga hayai desu

I'm fast at typing.

I have a fast type.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• タイプ (taipu) - The word borrowed from English "type" means "typing" in Japanese.
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 速い (hayai) - adjective that means "fast" in Japanese
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate politeness and formality

私は退職するつもりです。

Watashi wa taishoku suru tsumori desu

I intend to retire.

I will retire.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 退職する (taishoku suru) - verb meaning "resign" or "retire" in Japanese
• つもりです (tsumori desu) - Expression that indicates intention or future plans in Japanese

私は自由主義者です。

Watashi wa jiyū shugisha desu

I am a liberal.

I am a liberalist.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 自由主義者 (jiyuu shugi sha) - "リベラル" (riberaru) é a palavra em japonês para "liberal".
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese

私は毎日学校に通っています。

Watashi wa mainichi gakkou ni kayotte imasu

I go to school every day.

I go to school every day.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 毎日 (mainichi) - means "every day" in Japanese
• 学校 (gakkou) - means "school" in Japanese
• に (ni) - destination particle in Japanese
• 通っています (kayotte imasu) - It means "I am going" or "I am attending" in Japanese.

私は来月入社します。

Watashi wa raigetsu nyūsha shimasu

I will join the company next month.

I will join the company next month.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 来月 (raigetsu) - means "next month" in Japanese
• 入社 (nyūsha) - "Joining the company" in Japanese
• します (shimasu) - Politeness form of the verb "to do" in Japanese

私は旅行が大好きです。

Watashi wa ryokō ga daisuki desu

I love to travel.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 旅行 (ryokou) - means "journey" in Japanese
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 大好き (daisuki) - means "like very much" in Japanese
• です (desu) - polite way to be/act in Japanese