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
Related words
Romaji: atashi
Kana: あたし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5
Translation / Meaning: I
Meaning in English: I (fem)
Definition: Someone who exposes themselves.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (私) atashi
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (私) atashi:
Example Sentences - (私) atashi
See below some example sentences:
Watashi wa wana ni hikkakatta
I was caught in the trap.
I was caught in a trap.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- 罠 - noun meaning "trap"
- に - particle that indicates action or direction
- 引っ掛かった - verb meaning "to get stuck" or "to be caught"
Watashi wa zuihitsu o kaku koto ga suki desu
I like to write essays.
I like to write an essay.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - topic particle, which indicates the subject of the sentence
- 随筆 - noun that means "essay" or "personal writing"
- を - direct object particle, which indicates the object of the action
- 書く - Verb meaning "to write"
- こと - noun meaning "thing" or "action"
- が - subject particle, which indicates who performs the action
- 好き - The adjective that means "to like" is "gostoso" or "agradável."
- です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or respectful form of the sentence
Watashi wa naika ni ikimasu
I go to the department of internal medicine.
I go to internal medicine.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
- 内科 - noun that means "medical clinic"
- に - particle that indicates the destination of the action, in this case "to"
- 行きます - verb that means "to go", conjugated in the polite present
Watashi wa daigaku wo shuuryou shimashita
I graduated from the university.
I completed college.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
- 大学 - noun meaning "university"
- を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case "university"
- 修了 - verb meaning "to graduate"
- しました - past form of the verb "to do", indicating that the action has been completed
Watashi wa kanojo no soba ni itai desu
I want to be by her side.
I want to be with her.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 彼女 - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
- の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
- 側 - noun meaning "side" or "near"
- に - particle indicating the action of going to or being in a place
- いたい - verb meaning "to want to be" or "to wish to be"
- です - particle indicating the formality of the sentence
Watashi mo dōkan desu
I also agree.
I feel the same way.
- 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
- も - particle that indicates inclusion, in this case, "also"
- 同感 - noun that means "to feel the same as someone," "to agree"
- です - verb to be in the present, indicating the affirmation of the sentence
Watashi wa tamerawu koto naku kōdō suru
I will act without hesitation.
I act without hesitation.
- 私 - means "I" in Japanese.
- は - is a topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "I".
- 躊躇う - is a verb that means "to hesitate" or "to waver."
- こと - is a particle that indicates that the verb "hesitate" is being used as a noun.
- なく - is a particle that means "without".
- 行動する - is a verb that means "to act" or "to take action."
Watashi wa kanojo ni kawaru koto ga dekimasu ka?
Posso substituí-la?
Can I replace it?
- 私 - means "I" in Japanese.
- は - is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I".
- 彼女 - Means "girlfriend" or "she" in Japanese.
- に - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the recipient of the action, in this case, "to her".
- 代わる - It means "replace" or "exchange" in Japanese.
- こと - It is a grammatical particle that indicates an action or event, in this case, "replace".
- が - it is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I".
- できます - means "power" or "to be able to" in Japanese.
- か - It is a grammatical particle that indicates a question, in this case, "can I replace it?"
Watashi no kao wa akai desu
My face is red.
My face is red.
- 私 - signifies "I" in Japanese
- の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
- 顔 - It means "face" in Japanese.
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "face"
- 赤い - adjective that means "red"
- です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate state or condition
Watashi wa miruku o nomimasu
I drink milk.
I drink milk.
- 私 - means "I".
- は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
- ミルク - means "milk".
- を - it's a particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "leite".
- 飲みます - is the verb "to drink" conjugated in the polite form.
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun