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:

私の所に来てください。

Watashi no tokoro ni kite kudasai

Please come to me.

Please come to me.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - possession particle in Japanese, which indicates that "私" is the owner of what comes next
• 所 (tokoro) - means "place" in Japanese
• に (ni) - particle indicating the destination or location of something in Japanese
• 来て (kite) - imperative form of the verb "to come" in Japanese
• ください (kudasai) - expression meaning "please" in Japanese

私の本名は山田太郎です。

Watashi no honmyou wa Yamada Taro desu

My real name is Yamada Taro.

My real name is Taro Yamada.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 本名 (honmyou) - It means "real name" in Japanese.
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 山田太郎 (Yamada Taro) - proper name in Japanese, composed of surname (Yamada) and given name (Taro)
• です (desu) - the verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate identity or characteristics

私は明日新しい本を買います。

Watashi wa ashita atarashii hon wo kaimasu

I'm going to buy a new book tomorrow.

I'm going to buy a new book tomorrow.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 明日 (ashita) - means "tomorrow" in Japanese
• 新しい (atarashii) - means "new" in Japanese
• 本 (hon) - means "book" in Japanese
• を (wo) - object particle in Japanese, indicates that "book" is the direct object of the sentence
• 買います (kaimasu) - means "to buy" in Japanese, and is the verb in the sentence

私はあなたの話を聞きたいです。

Watashi wa anata no hanashi o kikitai desu

I want to hear your story.

I want to hear your story.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle in Japanese, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• あなた (anata) - It means "you" in Japanese.
• の (no) - possessive particle in Japanese, used to indicate that something belongs to someone
• 話 (hanashi) - means "story" or "conversation" in Japanese
• を (wo) - object particle in Japanese, used to indicate the direct object of the sentence
• 聞きたい (kikitai) - conjugated form of the verb "kiku", which means "to hear" or "to listen", in the present tense and with the desire to do the action
• です (desu) - polite form of "to be" in Japanese, used to end a sentence

私は明日試験があります。

Watashi wa ashita shiken ga arimasu

I have an exam tomorrow.

I have an exam tomorrow.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 明日 (ashita) - means "tomorrow" in Japanese
• 試験 (shiken) - means "test/examination" in Japanese
• が (ga) - Subject particle in Japanese.
• あります (arimasu) - means "to have/exist" in Japanese

私は衣料を買いに行きます。

Watashi wa iryou wo kai ni ikimasu

I will buy clothes.

I will buy clothes.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - Japanese topic particle
• 衣料 (iryō) - It means "clothes" in Japanese.
• を (wo) - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 買い (kai) - verb form of "to buy" in Japanese
• に (ni) - destination particle in Japanese
• 行きます (ikimasu) - verb form of "to go" in Japanese

私はいつもぼやいてばかりです。

Watashi wa itsumo boyaitte bakari desu

I'm always complaining.

I am always blurred.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• いつも (itsumo) - adverb meaning "always"
• ぼやいて (boyaitte) - verb meaning "to complain" or "to grumble", conjugated in the gerund
• ばかり (bakari) - Particle indicating that the action is done frequently or excessively, in this case "always"
• です (desu) - linking verb that indicates formality and the present tense

私は自分で着物を仕立てました。

Watashi wa jibun de kimono o shitaterimashita

I made my own kimono.

I made my own kimono.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 自分 (jibun) - means "myself" or "yourself"
• で (de) - particle that indicates the means or method used to perform the action, in this case "by oneself"
• 着物 (kimono) - traditional Japanese clothing
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the action, in this case "kimono"
• 仕立てました (shitatemasu) - verb that means "to make" or "to create," in the affirmative past tense

私はダンスが大好きです。

Watashi wa dansu ga daisuki desu

I love dancing.

I love dancing.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ダンス (dansu) - English loanword meaning "dance"
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates what is loved
• 大好き (daisuki) - adjective meaning "very loved" or "adored"
• です (desu) - verb "ser" or "estar" in the polite form

私は平気です。

Watashi wa heiki desu

I am fine.

I am fine.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "I"
• 平気 (heiki) - It means "to be well" or "to be calm" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of affirming something in Japanese