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:

私たちは常に広い視野を持つ必要があります。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni hiroi shiya o motsu hitsuyō ga arimasu

We must always have a wide field of vision.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 広い - Wide
• 視野 - Vision/perspective
• を - Direct object particle
• 持つ - To/have
• 必要があります - Is required

私たちは信任関係を築くことが重要だと信じています。

Watashitachi wa shinnin kankei o kizuku koto ga juuyou da to shinjite imasu

We believe it is important to build trust.

• 私たちは - We
• 信任関係 - Relationship of trust
• を - object particle
• 築く - Build
• こと - Abstract noun
• が - Subject particle
• 重要 - Important
• だ - Abbreviated form of です (to be).
• と - Quotation particle
• 信じています - We believe

私たちは任務を完了するために全力を尽くします。

Watashitachi wa ninmu o kanryou suru tame ni zenryoku o tsukushimasu

We will do our best to complete the mission.

• 私たちは - We
• 任務を - mission
• 完了する - complete
• ために - for
• 全力を尽くします - do our best

私たちは一つのチームです。

Watashitachi wa hitotsu no chīmu desu

We are a team.

• 私たちは - We
• 一つの - I'm sorry, but I need the text you would like me to translate. Please provide the content for translation.
• チーム - team
• です - we are

私たちは明日早朝に発つ予定です。

Watashitachi wa ashita chouchou ni tatsu yotei desu

We have plans to leave tomorrow morning.

Let's go early in the morning tomorrow.

• 私たちは - we
• 明日 - tomorrow
• 早朝に - Early morning
• 発つ - to leave
• 予定です - Planned

私たちは推測に基づいて決定を下す必要があります。

Watashitachi wa suisoku ni motozuite kettei o kudasai hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to make decisions based on assumptions.

We need to make a decision based on hunch.

• 私たちは - We
• 推測に基づいて - based on assumptions
• 決定を下す - making a decision
• 必要があります - Is required

私たちは常に顧客の要望に応えるよう努めています。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni kokyaku no yōbō ni kotaeru yō tsutomete imasu

We are always striving to meet our customers' demands.

We always strive to respond to customer needs.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 顧客 - Clients
• の - in
• 要望 - Orders
• に - For
• 応える - Attend
• よう - For
• 努めています - We're making an effort

私たちは常に自己啓発を深めることが大切だと信じています。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni jiko keihatsu o fukameru koto ga taisetsu da to shinjiteimasu

We believe it is important to always deepen self -development.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 自己啓発 - Self-development
• を - object particle
• 深める - Deepen
• こと - Abstract noun
• が - Subject particle
• 大切 - Important
• だ - Verb "to be"
• と - Quotation particle
• 信じています - We believe

私たちは常に目標を持って前進することが大切です。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni mokuhyō o motte zenshin suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important that we always advance with our goals.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 目標を - Goals
• 持って - TO HAVE
• 前進することが - advance
• 大切です - is important

私たちは毎日の活動を大切にしています。

Watashitachi wa mainichi no katsudō o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

We value our daily activities.

We value our daily activities.

• 私たちは - We
• 毎日の - diary
• 活動を - Activities
• 大切にしています - We value a lot