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:

私はこの結果に満足しています。

Watashi wa kono kekka ni manzoku shiteimasu

I am pleased with this result.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• この - Japanese demonstrative adjective meaning "this"
• 結果 - Japanese noun that means "result"
• に - particle that indicates action or direction
• 満足 - Japanese verb that means "to be satisfied"
• しています - polite form of the verb "suru" (to do) in the present continuous tense

私はあなたの貴重品を預かります。

Watashi wa anata no kichouhin wo azukari masu

I will take care of your value objects.

I will keep your objects of value.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あなた - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の - possessive particle that indicates that something belongs to someone
• 貴重品 - Japanese noun that means "valuable object"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 預かります - Japanese verb that means "to receive in deposit"

私はレストランの予約をした。

Watashi wa resutoran no yoyaku o shita

I made a reservation at the restaurant.

I made a reservation for a restaurant.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topical particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• レストラン - Japanese word that means "restaurant"
• の - particle indicating possession or relationship, in this case, "of the restaurant"
• 予約 - Japanese word that means "reserva"
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "the reservation"
• した - Japanese verb meaning "did" or "accomplished"

私は財布からお金を取り出す必要があります。

Watashi wa saifu kara okane o toridasu hitsuyō ga arimasu

I need to get money out of my wallet.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 財布 - Japanese noun that means "wallet"
• から - particle that indicates the origin of something, in this case "from the wallet"
• お金 - Japanese noun that means "money"
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence, in this case "money"
• 取り出す - Japanese verb that means "to withdraw."
• 必要 - Japanese noun meaning "need"
• が - particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• あります - Japanese verb meaning "to have", in the sense of "need to have"

私は書店で本を買いました。

Watashi wa shoten de hon o kaimashita

I bought a book at the bookstore.

I bought a book at a bookstore.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 書店 - Japanese noun meaning "bookstore"
• で - particle indicating the place where the action took place
• 本 - Japanese noun meaning "book"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 買いました - Japanese verb meaning "bought" (past tense)

私は新しい環境でまごつくことがあります。

Watashi wa atarashii kankyō de magotsuku koto ga arimasu

I get confused in new environments.

I can get rid of it in a new environment.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 環境 - Japanese noun that means "environment"
• で - particle that indicates the location where the action takes place
• まごつく - Japanese verb that means "to become confused."
• こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - Japanese verb that means "to exist"

私は幸せを望む。

Watashi wa shiawase o nozomu

Eu desejo felicidade.

Eu quero felicidade.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 幸せ - Japanese noun meaning "happiness"
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 望む - verbo japonês que significa "desejar"

私は今日当番です。

Watashi wa kyou touban desu

I'm in charge of the shift today.

I'm on duty today.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 今日 - Japanese noun meaning "today"
• 当番 - Japanese noun meaning "on duty", "on duty"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates the polite and formal form of the present indicative.

私は今日着る服を決めていない。

Watashi wa kyō kiru fuku o kimete inai

I still haven't decided what outfit to wear today.

I haven't decided on the clothes I wear today.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 今日 - Japanese adverb that means "today"
• 着る - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
• 服 - Japanese noun that means "clothing"
• を - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 決めていない - Japanese verb conjugated in the negative meaning "not to have decided"

私は賭けることが好きです。

Watashi wa kakeru koto ga suki desu

I like to bet.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 賭ける - Japanese verb meaning "to bet"
• こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - Japanese adjective that means "like"
• です - Japanese linking verb that indicates the formality of the sentence