η§
I, Me, Private
γγγ (watashi), γγγγ (watakushi)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
The kanji η§ originally meant 'private' or 'personal.' Over time, it became the most common way to say 'I' in Japanese. It is considered polite and can be used by both men and women in most situations.
Memory Trick
Imagine putting your hand on your chest and saying, 'Me!' Whenever you talk about yourself, you're referring to your private selfβη§.
Readings
Onyomi: γ· (shi)
Kunyomi: γγγ (watashi), γγγγ (watakushi)
Example Words
η§
γγγ (watashi)
I, Me
η§γγ‘
γγγγγ‘ (watashitachi)
We
η§η«
γγγ€ (shiritsu)
Private (school/institution)
η§ηζ΄»
γγγγγ€ (shiseikatsu)
Private life
Example Sentence
η§γ― ζ₯ζ¬θͺγ εεΌ·γγ¦γγΎγγ
γγγγ― γ«γ»γγγ γΉγγγγγγ¦γγΎγγ
watashi wa nihongo o benkyou shiteimasu
I am studying Japanese.