Introduction
In Japanese, giving reasons is essential for clear communication. In the previous lesson, we learned how to use から (kara) to explain why something happens. Today, we will explore how to give multiple reasons using し (-shi).
What It Means
The particle し (-shi) is used to list reasons. It allows you to mention two or more reasons for a situation. You usually add し after the short form of a verb, adjective, or noun.
When You Use It
Use し when you want to explain that there are multiple reasons behind a situation. This is especially useful when you want to emphasize that there are several factors involved.
Examples
Let’s look at some examples to understand how し works:
- 日本語はおもしろいし、先生はいいし、私は日本語の授業が大好きです。(Nihongo wa omoshiroi shi, sensei wa ii shi, watashi wa nihongo no jugyou ga daisuki desu.)
I really like my Japanese class because Japanese is interesting, and our teacher is good. - A: 国に帰りたいですか。(Kuni ni kaeritai desu ka?)
Do you want to go back home?
B: はい、家族に会いたいし、料理も食べたいし、帰りたいです。(Hai, kazoku ni aitai shi, ryouri mo tabetai shi, kaeritai desu.)
Yes, I want to see my family and have food. - 物価が高いし、この町の生活は大変です。(Bukka ga takai shi, kono machi no seikatsu wa taihen desu.)
Life in this city is tough. Things are expensive, for one thing.
You can also use し in separate sentences to explain the reasons for something:
- 佐藤先生はいい先生です。教えるのが上手だし、親切だし。(Satou sensei wa ii sensei desu. Oshieru no ga jouzu da shi, shinsetsu da shi.)
Professor Satou is a great teacher. He is good at teaching, and he is kind.
In polite speech, you can use し with long forms of verbs and adjectives:
- 私は来年も日本語を勉強します。日本が好きですし、日本語はおもしろいですし。(Watashi wa rainen mo nihongo o benkyou shimasu. Nihon ga suki desu shi, nihongo wa omoshiroi desu shi.)
I will study Japanese next year, too. I like Japan, and what is more, the Japanese language is interesting.
Note
Remember the following when using し:
- For い-adjectives, use the adjective directly with し: おもしろいし (omoshiroi shi). Do not add だ (da).
- For な-adjectives and nouns, you need to add だ (da) before し: 好きだし (suki da shi), 学生だし (gakusei da shi).
Conclusion
The particle し is a handy tool in Japanese for listing multiple reasons. It helps you explain situations more fully and clearly by mentioning all the factors involved.
