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:

私は飛行機を操縦することができます。

Watashi wa hikouki wo soujuu suru koto ga dekimasu

I can fly a plane.

I can control the plane.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 飛行機 - noun "plane"
• を - direct object particle, indicating that "plane" is the direct object of the action
• 操縦する - verb "pilot"
• ことができます - expression that indicates the ability or possibility of doing something

私は祖父の仕事を継ぐつもりです。

Watashi wa sofu no shigoto wo tsugu tsumori desu

I intend to follow my grandfather's work.

I will take on my grandfather's work.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 祖父 - noun "grandfather"
• の - possessive particle, indicating that the grandfather is "mine"
• 仕事 - "work"
• を - direct object particle, indicating that work is the object of the action
• 継ぐ - verb "to continue", "successor"
• つもり - expression indicating intention or plan
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は絵を描くのが下手です。

Watashi wa e o kaku no ga heta desu

I'm bad at drawing.

I'm not good at drawing.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 絵 - noun "drawing, painting"
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "drawing" is the direct object of the action
• 描く - verb "to draw, to paint"
• のが - particle that indicates a nominal clause, in this case "the fact that"
• 下手 - adjective "bad, inexperienced"
• です - verb "to be", indicates that the sentence is in the present and is affirmative or formal

私は明日の大会に出場します。

Watashi wa ashita no taikai ni shutsujō shimasu

I will compete in tomorrow's tournament.

I will participate in tomorrow's tournament.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 明日 - adverb of time "tomorrow"
• の - possessive particle, indicates that "tomorrow" belongs to the next word
• 大会 - noun "competition"
• に - destination particle, indicates that "competition" is the destination of the action
• 出場 - verb "to participate"
• します - polite form of the verb "to do"

私の進路はまだ決まっていません。

Watashi no shinro wa mada kimatte imasen

My career is not yet decided.

My course has not yet been decided.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 進路 - Japanese noun that means "path to follow," "direction to take"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• まだ - Japanese adverb that means "still", "not yet"
• 決まっていません - Japanese verb that means "not decided", "has not been decided yet"

私は毎日通りかかる公園が大好きです。

Watashi wa mainichi toorikakaru kouen ga daisuki desu

I love the park that I pass every day.

I love the parks that go every day.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day".
• 通りかかる - Japanese verb meaning "to pass by".
• 公園 - Japanese noun meaning "park".
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "park".
• 大好き - Japanese adjective meaning "much loved" or "adored."
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence, in this case, "is".

私は小説を書くのが好きです。

Watashi wa shousetsu wo kaku no ga suki desu

I like writing novels.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
• 小説 - Japanese noun that means "romance" or "novel".
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "to write."
• 書く - Japanese verb that means "to write".
• のが - Japanese particle that indicates the nominal subject function of the sentence, in this case, "to write".
• 好き - Japanese adjective that means "to like."
• です - Japanese verb that indicates the current state or action, in this case, "to like".

私は毛糸でセーターを編むのが好きです。

Watashi wa keito de seetaa o amu no ga suki desu

I like to knit sweaters with wool.

I like to knit a sweater with wool.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 毛糸 - noun "wool"
• で - Instrument particle
• セーター - noun "sweater"
• を - direct object particle
• 編む - verb "to knit"
• の - substantivization particle
• が - subject particle
• 好き - adjective "like"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私は彼女を称する。

Watashi wa kanojo o shōsuru

I call her my girlfriend.

I call her.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 彼女 - noun "girlfriend"
• を - direct object particle
• 称する - verb "to call oneself"

私の印鑑は大切なものです。

Watashi no inkan wa taisetsu na mono desu

My seal is important.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, equivalent to "de" in Portuguese
• 印鑑 - Japanese word meaning "stamp" or "seal"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 大切 - Japanese adjective meaning "important" or "precious"
• な - Japanese particle indicating an adjective
• もの - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• です - Japanese verb indicating "to be" or "to be", in the present tense