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:

私たちは階段を上がる。

Watashitachi wa kaidan wo agaru

We are going up the stairs.

We go upstairs.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 階段を - "escada" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" indicating the direct object of the action
• 上がる - "subir" in Japanese, indicating the action being performed

私たちは別荘で夏休みを過ごしました。

Watashitachi wa bessou de natsuyasumi o sugoshimashita

We spend the summer vacation in a country house.

We spend summer holidays in the village.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 別荘で - location "in the country house"
• 夏休みを - summer vacation" period
• 過ごしました - verb "passamos"

私たちは毎年春に畑を耕します。

Watashitachi wa maitoshi haru ni hatake o tagayasu shimasu

We plow the field every year in the spring.

We plow the fields every spring.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 毎年 - adverb of frequency "every year"
• 春に - noun "spring" + time particle "in spring"
• 畑を - noun "field" + direct object particle "the field"
• 耕します - verb "arar" conjugated in the present "aramos"

私のパスポートは有効期限が切れています。

Watashi no pasupōto wa yūkō kigen ga kirete imasu

My passport is expired.

My passport has expired.

• 私の - possessive pronoun "my"
• パスポート - noun "passport"
• は - Topic particle
• 有効期限 - noun "expiration date"
• が - subject particle
• 切れています - verb "to be overdue"

私の妻は私の人生の中で最高の贈り物です。

Watashi no tsuma wa watashi no jinsei no naka de saikou no okurimono desu

My wife is the best gift of my life.

My wife is the best gift of my life.

• 私の妻 - "My wife" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 私の - "Meu" in Japanese
• 人生 - "Life" in Japanese
• の - Possessive particle in Japanese
• 中で - "Within" in Japanese
• 最高の - "The best" in Japanese
• 贈り物 - "Gift" in Japanese
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私の部屋には大きな戸棚があります。

Watashi no heya ni wa ookina todana ga arimasu

There's a big closet in my room.

There's a big closet in my room.

• 私の部屋には - "In my classroom"
• 大きな - "large"
• 戸棚 - "closet"
• が - subject particle
• あります - exist

私物は大切なものです。

Watamono wa taisetsu na mono desu

Personal goods are important.

Personal goods are important.

• 私物 (shibutsu) - personal belongings
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• もの (mono) - thing, object
• です (desu) - polite way of being

私は努めて日本語を勉強しています。

Watashi wa tsutomete Nihongo wo benkyou shiteimasu

I am striving to study Japanese.

I'm working hard to study Japanese.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 努めて - verb meaning "to strive" or "to work hard"
• 日本語 - noun meaning "Japanese", the Japanese language
• を - object particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case "study"
• 勉強しています - compound verb meaning "to be studying", in the present continuous tense

私は忙しいです。

Watashi wa isogashii desu

I'm busy.

I'm busy.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 忙しい - adjective meaning "busy" or "occupied"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the present tense and formality

私は明日休める。

Watashi wa ashita yasumeru

I can rest tomorrow.

I will rest tomorrow.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 明日 - substantive that means "tomorrow"
• 休める - verb meaning "to be able to rest"