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:

私は毎日練習することで上達します。

Watashi wa mainichi renshuu suru koto de joutatsu shimasu

I improve by practicing every day.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 練習する - Japanese verb meaning "to practice"
• こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• で - Japanese particle that indicates the means or method used to perform the action, in this case, "practice"
• 上達します - Japanese verb meaning "improve" or "progress"

私は校庭で友達と遊びました。

Watashi wa kōtei de tomodachi to asobimashita

I played with my friends in the school courtyard.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 校庭 - Japanese noun that means "schoolyard"
• で - Japanese particle indicating the location where the action took place, in this case, "no pátio da escola" -> "in the school courtyard"
• 友達 - Japanese noun that means "friend(s)"
• と - Japanese particle that indicates company, in this case, "with friends"
• 遊びました - Japanese verb meaning "play/play", conjugated in the affirmative past

私は彼女の側にいたいです。

Watashi wa kanojo no soba ni itai desu

I want to be by her side.

I want to be with her.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun that means "girlfriend" or "she"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case, "my girlfriend's"
• 側 - Japanese noun meaning "side" or "someone's side"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the action of directing something or someone, in this case, "being next to"
• いたい - form of the Japanese verb "iru" which indicates desire or will, in this case, "to want to be"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates to be or to be, in this case, it is used to make the sentence more formal

私は彼女の服装がとても素敵だと思います。

Watashi wa kanojo no fukusō ga totemo suteki da to omoimasu

I think her clothes are very beautiful.

I think her clothes are really cool.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "she"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession, in this case, "hers."
• 服装 - Japanese noun meaning "clothing" or "clothes"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "clothing"
• とても - Japanese adverb that means "very"
• 素敵 - Japanese adjective meaning "beautiful" or "cool"
• だ - Japanese verb that indicates the existence or identity of the subject, in this case, "is"
• と - Japanese particle that indicates a direct quotation of what was said or thought, in this case, "to think"
• 思います - Japanese verb that means "to think" or "to believe"

私は彼の正体を知っている。

Watashi wa kare no shoutai o shitte iru

I know his true identity.

I know his identity.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 正体 - The Japanese noun that means "identity" or "true nature" is "本質" (honshitsu).
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 知っている - Japanese verb that means "to know" or "to be familiar with," in the affirmative present tense

私は弁解する必要はありません。

Watashi wa benkai suru hitsuyō wa arimasen

There's no need for me to apologize.

I don't need to apologize.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 弁解する - Japanese verb that means "justify" or "explain"
• 必要 - Japanese noun meaning "need"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• ありません - Japanese verb meaning "to not exist" or "to not have"

私は吃逆を持っています。

Watashi wa kisugyaku wo motteimasu

I have dysphagia.

I have a stutter.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 吃逆 - Japanese word meaning "acid reflux"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 持っています - Japanese verb meaning "to have" or "to possess", conjugated in the present tense

私は信者ではありません。

Watashi wa shinsha de wa arimasen

I'm not a believer.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 信者 - Japanese noun that means "believer" or "follower."
• ではありません - Japanese expression meaning "not to be"

私は道を踏む。

Watashi wa michi wo fumu

I step on the path.

I take the path.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 道 - Japanese noun meaning "way"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "path"
• 踏む - Japanese verb meaning "to step"

私は犬に懐かれています。

Watashi wa inu ni natsukarete imasu

I am loved by a dog.

I miss a dog.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 犬 - Japanese noun that means "dog"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the object of the action
• 懐かれています - The Japanese verb that means "to be loved" or "to be cherished," conjugated in the present tense and in the passive form is "愛される" (aisareru).