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:

私は自首します。

Watashi wa jishu shimasu

I will turn myself in to the police.

I am myself.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence
• 自首 (jishu) - means "confession" or "surrender" in Japanese
• します (shimasu) - polite form of the verb "to do", used to indicate future action

私は左利きです。

Watashi wa hidarikiki desu

I am a left -handed one.

I was left.

• 私 (watashi) - signifies "I" in Japanese
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 左利き (hidarikiki) - It means "left-handed" in Japanese.
• です (desu) - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is a statement

私は彼女に夢中です。

Watashi wa kanojo ni muchuu desu

I'm obsessed with her.

I'm crazy about her.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 彼女 - noun "girlfriend"
• に - target particle, indicates that the action is directed towards the "girlfriend"
• 夢中 - adjective "passionate"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は洋品店で新しいドレスを買いました。

Watashi wa youhinten de atarashii doresu wo kaimashita

I bought a new dress at the western clothing store.

I bought a new dress at a clothing store.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "me"
• 洋品店 - noun "western clothing store"
• で - location particle, indicates that the action of buying took place "in the western clothing store"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• ドレス - noun "dress"
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "new dress" is the direct object of the action of buying
• 買いました - verb "bought" in the past tense

私は彼女を探す。

Watashi wa kanojo wo sagasu

I'm looking for a girlfriend.

I look for her.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - topic particle, indicates that the topic of the sentence is "I"
• 彼女 - noun "girlfriend"
• を - direct object particle, indicates that "girlfriend" is the object of the action
• 探す - verb "search"

私は彼女が悲しむのを見るのが辛いです。

Watashi wa kanojo ga kanashimu no o miru no ga tsurai desu

It's hard for me to see her sad.

It's hard to see her sad.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 彼女 - pronoun "she"
• が - subject particle
• 悲しむ - verb "to be sad"
• の - nominal particle
• を - direct object particle
• 見る - verb "to see"
• の - nominal particle
• が - subject particle
• 辛い - adjective "difficult"
• です - verb to be"

私は長い散歩の後に草臥れました。

Watashi wa nagai sanpo no ato ni kusagarerimashita

I was exhausted after a long walk.

I was lying down after a long walk.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 長い - "long" adjective
• 散歩 - noun "walk"
• の - Possession particle
• 後に - expression "after"
• 草臥れました - verb "to be exhausted"

私は現在在学中です。

Watashi wa genzai zaigaku chuu desu

I am currently studying.

I'm currently at school.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 現在 (genzai) - adverb meaning "currently"
• 在学中 (zaigaku-chuu) - noun meaning "to be in a period of study"
• です (desu) - linking verb indicating the existence or state of the subject

私は美しい景色を描くことが好きです。

Watashi wa utsukushii keshiki wo egaku koto ga suki desu

I enjoy drawing beautiful landscapes.

I enjoy drawing beautiful landscapes.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい (utsukushii) - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 景色 (keshiki) - noun that means "landscape" or "view"
• を (wo) - direct object particle indicating the object of the action
• 描く (egaku) - verb that means "to draw" or "to paint"
• こと (koto) - abstract noun that indicates an action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle that indicates who performs the action
• 好き (suki) - adjective meaning "to like" or "to appreciate"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence

私は明日学校に行く予定です。

Watashi wa ashita gakkou ni iku yotei desu

I have plans to go to school tomorrow.

I go to school tomorrow.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 明日 (ashita) - adverb meaning "tomorrow"
• 学校 (gakkou) - noun meaning "school"
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the destination of the action, in this case "to school"
• 行く (iku) - verb meaning "to go"
• 予定 (yotei) - Noun that means "plan" or "schedule"
• です (desu) - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence