Translation and Meaning of: 私 - atashi

If you are learning Japanese, you have probably already come across the word I You may wonder: 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 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 the reason why あたし it's smoother than other first-person forms. Want to find out 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 I there is an interesting story. Originally, the kanji 私 it was read as わたくし, a formal way to say "I". Over time, the pronunciation has changed in colloquial language, especially among women, until it reached the あたし what we know today. This evolution reflects the tendency of Japanese to shorten and soften expressions in everyday life.

The kanji itself is composed of the radical. ⽲ (rice ear) and ⼛ (particular), suggesting something personal or intimate. No wonder, あたし conveys a more delicate and informal feeling, different from わたし Please provide the text you'd like me to translate. ホク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 it is neutral and can be used by anyone in formal situations, あたし It 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 opt for 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 environments or when speaking with superiors. In these cases, the classic わたし still dominates. A tip? Pay attention to how the 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 solidify I, try associating it with everyday situations. Imagine a friend telling a story: "I watched a movie yesterday!" ("I watched a movie yesterday!"). The softer sound helps to differentiate it from other forms. Another strategy is to create flashcards on Anki with real examples, such as dialogues from doramas or J-pop songs that use this expression.

How about a pun you'll never forget? Think of "I'm not me." ("I am 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 interpreting something — otherwise, it may sound strange to natives. Women, take advantage of 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:

私は兄弟がいません。

Watashi wa kyoudai ga imasen

I do not have brothers.

I have no brother.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 兄弟 - noun that means "brothers"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• いません - negative verb that means "to not exist"

私は彼女に告白した。

Watashi wa kanojo ni kokuhaku shita

I confessed my feelings to her.

I confessed to her.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 - noun meaning "she"
• に - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case, "for her"
• 告白 - noun that means "confession"
• した - verb "suru" in the past tense, which means "did"

私は友達にお金を貸すことができます。

Watashi wa tomodachi ni okane wo kasu koto ga dekimasu

I can lend money to my friend.

I can lend money to my friends.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 友達 - noun meaning "friend"
• に - particle that indicates the target of the action, in this case, "for the friend"
• お金 - noun meaning "money"
• を - particle indicating the direct object of the action, in this case, "lend money"
• 貸す - verb meaning "to lend"
• こと - noun indicating action or event
• が - particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• できます - verb meaning "to be able to do", conjugated in the present affirmative

私はこのサイトの会員です。

Watashi wa kono saito no kaiin desu

I am a member of this site.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• この - demonstrative adjective meaning "this"
• サイト - noun that means "site"
• の - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "of the site"
• 会員 - noun that means "member"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

私は彼女の絵を写すことができます。

Watashi wa kanojo no e o utsusu koto ga dekimasu

I can copy her painting.

I can take her picture.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "her" or "girlfriend"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two things
• 絵 - noun meaning "image" or "painting"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 写す - verb meaning "to copy" or "to reproduce"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できます - verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be able to"

私は山を下りる。

Watashi wa yama wo oriru

I'm going down the mountain.

I go down the mountain.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 山 - noun that means "mountain"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 下りる - verb meaning "to go down"

私は口紅を塗りました。

Watashi wa kuchibeni wo nurimashita

I applied lipstick.

I painted lipstick.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 口紅 - noun that means "lipstick"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 塗りました - The word is "painted" or "applied" (in the past).

私は医療従事者です。

Watashi wa iryō jūjisha desu

I am a healthcare professional.

I am a health professional.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 医療 - word that means "health" or "medical care"
• 従事者 - word that means "professional" or "worker"
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

私は包帯を巻いています。

Watashi wa hōtai o maitte imasu

I am rolling a bandage.

I have a bandage.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 包帯 - noun meaning "bandage"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 巻いています - The verb that means "to be procrastinating" in the present and polite form is "引き延ばす" (ひきのばす / hikinobasu).

私は裁縫が得意です。

Watashi wa saihou ga tokui desu

I am skilled

I am good at sewing.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 裁縫 - noun that means "sewing"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 得意 - adjective that means "to be good at something"
• です - linking verb that indicates the formality and politeness of the sentence