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:

私は反対です。

Watashi wa hantai desu

I'm against.

I disagree with that.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 反対 - noun that means "opposition" or "objection"
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense and formal

私は歌手になりたいです。

Watashi wa kashu ni naritai desu

I want to become a singer.

I want to be a singer.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 歌手 - Japanese noun that means "singer" or "musical artist"
• に - particle that indicates the function or objective of an action, in this case, "to become"
• なりたい - Japanese verb in the present tense and affirmative form that means "to want to become"
• です - Japanese verb in the present tense and polite form that functions as an auxiliary verb to indicate courtesy or formality in communication

私は彼女の関心を引くことができるだろうか。

Watashi wa kanojo no kanshin o hiku koto ga dekiru darou ka

Can I arouse her interest?

Can I get her interest?

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 彼女 - Japanese noun meaning "she" or "girlfriend"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "hers"
• 関心 - Japanese noun meaning "interest"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "interest"
• 引く - Japanese verb meaning "to attract"
• こと - Japanese noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できる - Japanese verb meaning "to be able to"
• だろう - Japanese expression that indicates probability or uncertainty, in this case "I wonder if".
• か - Japanese particle indicating a question

私はタイピストです。

Watashi wa taipisuto desu

I'm digitizer

I am a typist.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• タイピスト - Japanese noun meaning "typist" or "typewriter"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates a polite and polished way of saying something, equivalent to the verb "ser" in Portuguese

私には欠点があります。

Watashi ni wa ketten ga arimasu

I have flaws.

I have a disadvantage.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• に - particle indicating the target or addressee of the action, in this case, "for me"
• は - particle indicating the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 欠点 - noun meaning "defect" or "flaw"
• が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case, "defect"
• あります - verb meaning "to have" or "to exist" in the present affirmative

私の履歴書を見てください。

Watashi no rirekisho wo mite kudasai

Please see my resume.

Look at my resume.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 履歴書 - currículo
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 見て - verb "miru" (to see) conjugated in the imperative
• ください - verb "kudasai" (please) conjugated in the imperative

私の自尊心は高いです。

Watashi no jisonshin wa takai desu

My self -esteem is high.

My self -esteem is high.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 自尊心 - noun meaning "self-esteem" or "self-pride"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "lofty" and, in this context, is used to describe the level of self-esteem
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate that the sentence is in the present tense and that self-esteem is high

私は彼女に結婚を申し出た。

Watashi wa kanojo ni kekkon wo moushidasita

I proposed marriage to her.

I offered him to get married.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun that means "girlfriend" or "fiancée" in Japanese
• に - particle that indicates the recipient of the action
• 結婚 - noun that means "marriage" in Japanese
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 申し出た - verb that means "propose" or "request" in Japanese, conjugated in the past

私は祖父から受け継いだ家族の伝統を大切にしています。

Watashi wa sofu kara uketsuguida kazoku no dentō o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

I value my family tradition that I inherited from my grandfather.

I value the family tradition inherited from my grandfather.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 祖父 - noun meaning "grandfather" in Japanese
• から - particle that indicates the origin or starting point
• 受け継いだ - verb meaning "to inherit" or "to receive as an inheritance"
• 家族 - noun meaning "family" in Japanese
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 伝統 - noun meaning "tradition" in Japanese
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 大切にしています - verbal expression that means "to value" or "to give importance"

私の成績は良くなかったです。

Watashi no seiseki wa yokunakatta desu

My notes were not good.

My notes were not good.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - possessive particle indicating that "成績" belongs to "私"
• 成績 - noun that means "grades," "academic performance"
• は - topic particle that indicates that "成績" is the subject of the sentence
• 良くなかった - verb "良い" (good) in the negative past, meaning "was not good"
• です - an auxiliary verb indicating the polite and formal form of the sentence
• . - period indicating the end of the sentence