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:

私たちは新しい装備を手に入れました。

Watashitachi wa atarashii soubi o te ni iremashita

We have new equipment.

We have new equipment.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 新しい - "new" in Japanese
• 装備 - "equipment" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 手に入れました - "acquired" in Japanese

私たちは祖先を尊ぶべきです。

Watashitachi wa sosen o toutobu beki desu

We must respect our ancestors.

We must respect our ancestors.

• 私たち - "We"
• は - Topic particle
• 祖先 - "Ancestral"
• を - Direct object particle
• 尊ぶ - "Respeitar"
• べき - suffix indicating obligation or duty
• です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay"

私たちは伝統を重んずる。

Watashitachi wa dentō o omomurau

We value tradition.

We value tradition.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 伝統 - "tradition" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 重んずる - "value" or "give importance" in Japanese
• .

私たちのチームに加わってください。

Watashitachi no chīmu ni kuwawatte kudasai

Please join our team.

Please join our team.

• 私たちの - 「私たち」
• チーム - "Team" in Japanese
• に - Destination particle in Japanese
• 加わって - "Join" in Japanese, in the imperative.
• ください - "Please" in Japanese, used to make a request

私たちの人生は常に巡るものです。

Watashitachi no jinsei wa tsune ni meguru mono desu

Our lives are always spinning.

Our life is always around.

• 私たちの - 「私たち」
• 人生 - "Life" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 常に - Always in Japanese
• 巡る - "Girar" or "Circundar" in Japanese
• もの - "Thing" or "Object" in Japanese
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

私たちのグループに加入してください。

Watashitachi no gurūpu ni kanyū shite kudasai

Please join our group.

Please join our group.

• 私たちの - "Our"
• グループ - "Group"
• に - particle that indicates destination or direction
• 加入 - "Enter"
• してください - "Please, do"

私たちはグループで一緒に仕事をします。

Watashitachi wa gurūpu de issho ni shigoto o shimasu

We work together as a group.

We work together in the group.

• 私たちは - "We"
• グループで - "in group"
• 一緒に - Together
• 仕事をします - "we work"

私は雪の上で滑りました。

Watashi wa yuki no ue de subarimashita

I slipped in the snow.

I slipped in the snow.

• 私 - personal pronoun "I"
• は - Topic particle
• 雪 - "snow"
• の - Possessive particle
• 上 - "on top of"
• で - Location particle
• 滑りました - verb "slide" in the past

私は最近落ち込んでいます。

Watashi wa saikin ochikonde imasu

I've been feeling down lately.

I am recently depressed.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "I".
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I".
• 最近 - Japanese adverb meaning "recently".
• 落ち込んでいます - Japanese verb meaning "to be depressed" or "to be discouraged", conjugated in the present and polite form.

私の生年月日は何ですか？

Watashi no seinen gappi wa nan desu ka?

What is my date of birth?

What is my date of birth?

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 生年月日 - Japanese compound noun meaning "date of birth"
• は - Japanese particle indicating the subject of the sentence
• 何 - Japanese interrogative pronoun meaning "what"
• ですか - Japanese expression indicating a polite question