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:

この問題は私の知識に当てはまるかどうかわかりません。

Kono mondai wa watashi no chishiki ni atehamaru ka dou ka wakarimasen

I don't know if this problem applies to my knowledge.

• この問題 - This question
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - mine
• 知識 - Knowledge
• に - Particle indicating target or location
• 当てはまる - Be applicable or appropriate
• かどうか - Whether or not
• わかりません - I don't know

この本は私にとって重宝な情報源です。

Kono hon wa watashi ni totte chōhō na jōhōgen desu

This book is a valuable source of information for me.

This book is a helpful resource for me.

• この本 - This book
• は - Topic particle
• 私にとって - for me
• 重宝な - valuable
• 情報源 - source of information
• です - Verb to be/estar

ジャズは私の好きな音楽ジャンルです。

Jazu wa watashi no sukina ongaku janru desu

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

• ジャズ - jazz
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 好き - Like, preference
• な - adjectival particle
• 音楽 - Music
• ジャンル - genre
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

パパは私のヒーローです。

Papa wa watashi no hiro desu

My father is my hero.

Dad is my hero.

• パパ - Japanese word meaning "daddy"
• は - topic particle in Japanese, indicates that the subject of the sentence is "papai"
• 私の - Possessive pronoun in Japanese, meaning "my"
• ヒーロー - Word in Japanese that means "hero"
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, indicating that "dad" is the "hero" of the speaker

マイケルは私の親友です。

Maikeru wa watashi no shinyuu desu

Michael is my best friend.

• マイケル - first name in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 親友 - Japanese noun meaning "close friend"
• です - verb ser/ estar in Japanese, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative

マイクは私の友達です。

Maiku wa watashi no tomodachi desu

Mike is my friend.

• マイク - first name in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
• の - possessive particle in Japanese
• 友達 - Japanese noun meaning "friend"
• です - Japanese verb to be in polite form

マスターは私の先生です。

Masutā wa watashi no sensei desu

The master is my teacher.

• マスター (māsutā) - master
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my
• 先生 (sensei) - professor/master
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

ママは私の最高の友達です。

Mama wa watashi no saikou no tomodachi desu

Mom is my best friend.

• ママ (Mama) - mother
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my
• 最高の (saikou no) - the best
• 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
• です (desu) - Ser/estar (linking verb)

レジャーは私たちの生活に必要なリフレッシュの時間です。

Rejā wa watashitachi no seikatsu ni hitsuyōna rifureshu no jikan desu

Leisure is a refreshing time necessary for our lives.

• レジャー - lazer
• は - Topic particle
• 私たち - we
• の - Possession particle
• 生活 - life
• に - Location particle
• 必要 - necessary
• な - adjective particle
• リフレッシュ - refreshment
• の - Possession particle
• 時間 - time
• です - to be (state verb)

二十日は私の誕生日です。

Nijuunichi wa watashi no tanjoubi desu

The 20th is my birthday.

Twenty days is my birthday.

• 二十日 - means "20th" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 誕生日 - means "birthday" in Japanese
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, which indicates a statement or declaration