私 – I / Me / Private (Shi / Watashi Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 私.
Kanji 私 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
私 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 私立 (shiritsu – private, as in private schools) and 私語 (shigo – whispering during class or a meeting).
わたし is the standard, everyday word for "I." わたくし is a more formal and polite version, often used in business or formal speech settings.
私 Stroke Order – How to Write 私
私 is written with 7 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the grain radical 禾 first (diagonal, horizontal, vertical, two diagonals), then finish with the curved hook and dot of ム on the right.
Common Words Using 私 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 私, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 私
See 私 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
私は学生です。
わたしは がくせいです。
Watashi wa gakusei desu.
I am a student.
私たちは日本語を勉強しています。
わたしたちは にほんごを べんきょうしています。
Watashitachi wa nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.
We are studying Japanese.
彼は私立大学に通っています。
かれは しりつだいがくに かよっています。
Kare wa shiritsu daigaku ni kayotte imasu.
He attends a private university.
これは私の本です。
これは わたしの ほんです。
Kore wa watashi no hon desu.
This is my book.
授業中の私語は禁止です。
じゅぎょうちゅうの しごは きんしです。
Jugyouchuu no shigo wa kinshi desu.
Whispering during class is forbidden.
Frequently Asked Questions About 私
What does the Kanji 私 mean?
私 means "I," "me," or "private." It is one of the most frequently used JLPT N5 kanji, seen in words like 私 (watashi, I) and 私立 (shiritsu, private).
What is the Onyomi reading of 私?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 私 is シ (shi), as in 私立 (shiritsu, private) and 私語 (shigo, whispering).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 私?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings of 私 are わたし (watashi) and わたくし (watakushi), both meaning "I," with わたくし being more formal.
How many strokes does 私 have?
私 is written with 7 strokes.
Is 私 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 私 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the most commonly used kanji in daily conversation, since it is the standard word for "I" in Japanese.
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