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:

私たちは教室で勉強します。

Watashitachi wa kyōshitsu de benkyō shimasu

We studied in the classroom.

We studied in the classroom.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 教室 - Japanese classroom
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• 勉強 - study in Japanese
• します - polite way of "doing" in Japanese

私たちは屋敷でパーティーを開催します。

Watashitachi wa yashiki de paatii o kaisai shimasu

Let's hold a party at the mansion.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 屋敷 - "mansion" or "residence" in Japanese
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• パーティー - "party" in Japanese, written in katakana (one of the Japanese writing systems)
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 開催します - "realize" or "organize" in Japanese

私たちは地元の文化に溶け込むことを大切にしています。

Watashitachi wa jimoto no bunka ni tokekomu koto o taisetsu ni shiteimasu

We value integration into the local culture.

We value that in the local culture.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 地元 - "local" in Japanese
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 文化 - "cultura" in Japanese
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 溶け込む - "se integrar" in Japanese
• こと - Abstract noun in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 大切 - "Importante" in Japanese
• に - partítulo do modo em japonês
• しています - The polished form of the verb "fazer" in Japanese

私たちは一緒に進める。

Watashitachi wa issho ni susumeru

We will move forward together.

We continue together.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 進める - 「進む」

私たちは美味しい且つ健康的な食事を食べることが大切だと思います。

Watashitachi wa oishii katsu kenkō

I think it's important to eat delicious and healthy meals.

• 私たち - Personal pronoun "we"
• 美味しい - Adjective "delicious"
• 且つ - conjunction "and"
• 健康的な - adjective "healthy"
• 食事 - noun "meal"
• を - direct object" particle
• 食べる - verb "to eat"
• こと - noun "thing"
• が - subject" particle
• 大切 - adjective "important"
• だ - verb to be"
• と - quote" particle
• 思います - verb "to think"

私たちは明日の計画を決める必要があります。

Watashitachi wa ashita no keikaku o kimeru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to decide the plan for tomorrow.

We need to decide on tomorrow's plan.

• 私たち - 私たち
• 明日 - "明日"
• の - Possession particle in Japanese
• 計画 - "プラン" em japonês.
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 決める - "decidir" em japonês é 決定する (kettei suru).
• 必要 - "Necessário" in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• あります - "存在する" (sonzai suru)

私たちは一緒に歩みを進めていきましょう。

Watashitachi wa issho ni ayumi o susumete ikimashou

Let's go on together.

• 私たち - 私たち
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 歩み - "step" or "path" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 進めて - "to advance" in Japanese (continuous form)
• いきましょう - "let's go" in Japanese (polite form)

私たちは計画を立てる必要があります。

Watashitachi wa keikaku o tateru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to make a plan.

We need to plan.

• 私たち - 「私たち」
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 計画 - 「プラン」
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 立てる - "To do" or "to create" in Japanese
• 必要 - "Necessário" in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• あります - "To exist" or "to have" in Japanese

私たちは社宅に住んでいます。

Watashitachi wa shataku ni sunde imasu

We live in an apartment provided by the company.

We live in a company's home.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 社宅 - "company house" in Japanese
• に - Location particle in Japanese
• 住んでいます - "we live" in Japanese

私たちのビジネスは好調です。

Watashitachi no bijinesu wa kōchō desu

Our business is doing well.

Our business is performing well.

• 私たちの - possessive pronoun "our"
• ビジネス - noun "business"
• は - Topic particle
• 好調 - adjective "prosperous, well-off"
• です - verb "ser/estar" in the polite form