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:

彼は私の仕事を脅かすつもりだ。

Kare wa watashi no shigoto o odokasu tsumori da

He intends to threaten my work.

He intends to threaten my work.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 私 - Japanese pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession
• 仕事 - 日本語の名詞で「仕事」という意味です。
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 脅かす - Japanese verb that means "threaten"
• つもり - Japanese expression that indicates intention
• だ - Japanese verb that means "to be"

彼は私を貶すような言葉を使った。

Kare wa watashi o kudasu yōna kotoba o tsukatta

He used words that belittled me.

He used words that degraded me.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 私 - Japanese pronoun that means "I"
• を - Japanese particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 貶す - Japanese verb that means "to lower," "to belittle"
• ような - Japanese particle that indicates similarity or comparison
• 言葉 - 日本語の名詞で「言葉」を意味します。
• を - Japanese particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 使った - Japanese verb in the past that means "used"

彼の能力は私を超す。

Kare no nouryoku wa watashi wo kosu

His skill exceeds mine.

Your skill is super.

• 彼の - his
• 能力 - "habilidade, capacidade" = "skill, ability"
• は - Topic particle
• 私を - personal pronoun "I" + direct object particle
• 超す - verb "to exceed, to surpass"

彼のスキルは私のよりも劣る。

Kare no sukiru wa watashi no yori mo otoru

Your skill is inferior than me.

• 彼のスキル - His skill
• は - Topic particle
• 私の - My
• よりも - Than
• 劣る - Being inferior

彼女は私に対して優しいです。

Kanojo wa watashi ni taishite yasashii desu

She is kind to me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She (female)
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私に対して (watashi ni taishite) - in relation to me
• 優しいです (yasashii desu) - is kind

彼女は私と食べ物を分けることを拒否した。

Kanojo wa watashi to tabemono wo wakeru koto wo kyohi shita

She refused to share the food with me.

She refused to separate the food from me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• と (to) - particle indicating company
• 食べ物 (tabemono) - food
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 分ける (wakeru) - Divide
• こと (koto) - noun indicating action or event
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 拒否する (kyohosuru) - Refuse
• た (ta) - Past verbal suffix

彼女は私が彼と話しているのを見て妬んでいた。

Kanojo wa watashi ga kare to hanashite iru no o mite yandete ita

She was jealous of me talking to him.

She was jealous to see me talking to him.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 彼 (kare) - he
• と (to) - accompanying particle
• 話している (hanashiteiru) - speaking
• のを (nowo) - object particle
• 見て (mite) - selling
• 妬んでいた (netandeita) - I was jealous

彼女は私を友達に紹介してくれました。

Kanojo wa watashi o tomodachi ni shōkai shite kuremashita

She introduced me as a friend.

She introduced me to my friend.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 友達 (tomodachi) - amigo/amiga
• に (ni) - target particle
• 紹介してくれました (shoukai shite kuremashita) - introduced me

彼女は私の進歩を阻んだ。

Kanojo wa watashi no shinpo o habamanda

She prevented me from progressing.

She disturbed my progress.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 進歩 (shinpo) - progress
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 阻んだ (samatanda) - prevented

彼女は私を見詰める。

Kanojo wa watashi o mitsumeru

She stares at me.

She looks at me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 見詰める (mitsumeru) - Stare, gaze