Translation and Meaning of: 私 - atashi

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably come across the word 私[あたし] and wondered: 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 of the 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 why あたし sounds softer than other first-person forms. Want to discover 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 私[あたし] has an interesting history. Originally, the kanji 私 was read as わたくし, a formal way of saying "I." Over time, the pronunciation has changed in colloquial language, especially among women, until reaching the あたし we know today. This evolution reflects the tendency of Japanese to shorten and soften expressions in daily life.

The kanji itself is composed of the radical 禾 (ear of rice) and 厶 (private), suggesting something personal or intimate. No wonder, あたし conveys a more delicate and informal feeling, different from わたし or ぼく. 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 is neutral and can be used by anyone in formal situations, あたし 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 choose 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 settings or when speaking with superiors. In those cases, the classic わたし still prevails. A tip? Pay attention to how 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 fixate 私[あたし], try associating it with everyday situations. Imagine a friend telling a story: "あたし、昨日映画を見たよ！" ("I saw a movie yesterday!"). The softer sound helps differentiate it from other forms. Another strategy is to create flashcards in Anki with real examples, such as dialogues from dramas or J-pop songs that use this expression.

How about a pun you'll never forget? Think of "あたしは私(わたし)じゃない" ("I'm 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 acting — otherwise, it may sound strange to natives. Women, enjoy 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:

私たちは困難に対して強く立ち向かわなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa konnan ni taisuru tsuyoku tachimukawanakereba narimasen

We must strongly face the difficulties.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 困難に - "Difficulty" in Japanese, followed by the particle "ni" which indicates the relationship with the previous word.
• 対して - "In relation to" in Japanese
• 強く - "Strongly" in Japanese, an adverb that modifies the following verb.
• 立ち向かわなければなりません - "We need to face" in Japanese, verb in the negative conditional form indicating an obligation.

私たちは共感することができます。

Watashitachi wa kyōkan suru koto ga dekimasu

We can empathize.

We can sympathize.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 共感する - "To be able to identify with"
• ことが - Japanese particle that indicates an action or event
• できます - "Ser capaz de" in Japanese

私たちは共働き家庭です。

Watashitachi wa kyoudouki katei desu

We are a double -income family.

We are a family of double workers.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 共働き - "Working together" or "double job" in Japanese, referring to a couple who both work outside the home
• 家庭 - "Family" in Japanese
• です - "It is" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement

私たちは使命を果たすために生まれてきた。

Watashitachi wa shimei o hatasu tame ni umarete kita

We were born to fulfill our mission.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 使命 - "Mission" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 果たす - "Comply" in Japanese
• ために - "To" in Japanese
• 生まれてきた - "We were born" in Japanese

私たちは自分たちの思考を局限することができます。

Watashitachi wa jibuntachi no shikō o kyokugen suru koto ga dekimasu

We can limit our thoughts.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 自分たちの - "Our own" in Japanese
• 思考を - "Thought" in Japanese
• 局限する - "Limit" in Japanese
• ことができます - "Can be done" in Japanese

私たちは異なる観点から問題を見ることができます。

Watashitachi wa kotonaru kanten kara mondai o miru koto ga dekimasu

We can see the problem from a different perspective.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 異なる - "Diferente" in Japanese
• 観点 - "Perspective" in Japanese
• から - "De" in Japanese, indicating the origin of the action
• 問題 - "Problem" in Japanese
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese.
• 見る - "Ver" in Japanese
• こと - Suffix in Japanese indicating an action or event
• が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できます - "Can be done" in Japanese

私たちは新しいルールを設ける必要があります。

Watashitachi wa atarashii rūru o moukeru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to establish new rules.

We need to provide new rules.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 新しい - "New" in Japanese
• ルール - "Regra" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 設ける - "Estabelecer" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

私たちは心を繋げることができます。

Watashitachi wa kokoro wo tsunageru koto ga dekimasu

We can connect our hearts.

We can connect our hearts.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 心を - "Coração" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 繋げる - "To connect" in Japanese, in the infinitive.
• ことが - Particle "koto ga" indicating action or event
• できます - "Can be done" or "is possible" in Japanese, in the present affirmative.

私たちは彼女に愛を給うことができます。

Watashitachi wa kanojo ni ai o tamau koto ga dekimasu

We can give her love.

We can give her love.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 彼女に - "彼女のために"
• 愛を - "愛" em japonês
• 給う - "to give" in Japanese
• ことができます - "できます"

私たちは長い列を連ねて待っていました。

Watashitachi wa nagai retsu o tsunagete matte imashita

We were waiting in a long line.

We were waiting for a long queue.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 長い列 - "A long line" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 連ねて - "In line" in Japanese
• 待っていました - "We were waiting" in Japanese.