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:

私は新しい環境に慣れるのに時間がかかります。

Watashi wa atarashii kankyō ni nareru no ni jikan ga kakarimasu

It takes time to get used to a new environment.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 新しい - 新しい (atarashii)
• 環境 - Japanese noun that means "environment"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates action towards something or a place.
• 慣れる - Japanese verb that means "to get used to"
• のに - Japanese particle that indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
• 時間 - Japanese noun that means "time"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• かかります - Japanese verb meaning "to take time."

私は悲観的な考え方をすることはできません。

Watashi wa hikanteki na kangaekata o suru koto wa dekimasen

I can't think of pessimism.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 悲観的な - Japanese adjective meaning "pessimistic"
• 考え方 - Japanese noun meaning "way of thinking"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• する - Japanese verb meaning "to do"
• こと - A palavra japonesa que significa "coisa" é "もの" (mono).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• できません - Japanese verb meaning "not able to"

私は彼女の見方が好きです。

Watashi wa kanojo no mikata ga suki desu

I like the way she sees things.

I like her view.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 - Japanese noun that means "girlfriend" or "she"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two things
• 見方 - Japanese noun meaning "point of view" or "way of seeing"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - Japanese adjective meaning "to like" or "to be pleasant"
• です - Japanese verb indicating the polite or formal form of the present simple

私は彼を狙う。

Watashi wa kare wo neru

I'm aiming for him.

I myotify for him.

• 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).
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 狙う - Japanese verb that means "to look" or "to aim".

私の尿は黄色です。

Watashi no nyō wa kiiro desu

My urine is yellow.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - the Japanese particle for possession, which indicates that "私" is the owner of something.
• 尿 - a word that means "urine" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that "尿" is the subject of the sentence.
• 黄色 - a word that means "yellow" in Japanese.
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates that "黄色" is the description of the "尿" of "私".

私は彼女に恋する。

Watashi wa kanojo ni koi suru

I'm in love with her.

I fell in love with her.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "she" or "girlfriend"
• に - Japanese particle that indicates the target or recipient of the action
• 恋する - Japanese verb meaning "to fall in love"

私は跳ねることができます。

Watashi wa haneru koto ga dekimasu

I can jump.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 跳ねる - japanese verb that means "jump" or "leap"
• こと - Japanese noun that means "thing" or "action"
• が - Japanese particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• できます - Japanese verb that means "to be able to" or "can"
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

私は背広を着て会議に出席します。

Watashi wa sebiro o kite kaigi ni shusseki shimasu

I'm going to wear a suit and attend the meeting.

I will attend the meeting wearing a suit.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 背広 - Japanese noun meaning "suit"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 着て - Japanese verb meaning "to put on"
• 会議 - Japanese noun meaning "meeting"
• に - Japanese particle indicating the place where the action takes place
• 出席します - Japanese verb meaning "to attend"

私は神を崇拝します。

Watashi wa kami wo suuhai shimasu

I worship God.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 神 - Japanese noun meaning "god"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 崇拝 - Japanese verb meaning "to worship" or "to adore"
• します - Japanese verb that means "to do" or "to perform" in a polite form

私の著書が出版されました。

Watashi no chosho ga shuppan sare mashita

My book was published.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 著書 - noun meaning "literary work" or "book written by the author himself".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出版 - verb meaning "to publish" or "to edit a book".
• されました - passive form of the verb "suru" which indicates that the action was carried out by another person or entity. In this case, the sentence means "My book has been published".