Processing keyword: ～し、～し、～ (〜shi, 〜shi, 〜)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～し、～し、～ (〜shi, 〜shi, 〜)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the grammatical structure ～し、～し、～ is used to list multiple reasons, actions, or states. It is a versatile pattern that allows speakers to emphasize various aspects or provide multiple explanations in a sentence.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern ～し、～し、～ is equivalent to saying "and... and..." or "not only..., but also..." in English. It is used to:

• List reasons or causes: Provide multiple reasons for a particular outcome or situation.
• Emphasize multiple attributes: Highlight several characteristics or actions.

Structure

The structure varies slightly depending on whether you're using verbs, adjectives, or nouns.

Formation Diagram

Word Type	Formation
Verb	Plain form + し
い-adjective	Plain form + し
な-adjective	Base adjective + だし
Noun	Noun + だし

Detailed Explanation

• Verbs: Use the plain (dictionary) form of the verb before し.
  • 行くし、見るし、食べるし
• い-adjectives: Use the adjective as is before し.
  • 安いし、楽しいし、美味しいし
• な-adjectives: Attach だし to the base form of the adjective.
  • 便利だし、元気だし、静かだし
• Nouns: Attach だし directly to the noun.
  • 学生だし、日本人だし、先生だし

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with ～たり、～たりする

While both ～し、～し、～ and ～たり、～たりする are used to list multiple actions or states, they have different uses:

• ～し、～し、～: Emphasizes multiple reasons or factors. Often used to justify or explain.
• ～たり、～たりする: Lists examples of actions or states among others. Suggests that there are more items not mentioned. Example:
• ～し、～し、～: 今日は寒いし、雨が降っているし、出かけたくない。
  • "It's cold today, and it's raining, so I don't want to go out."
• ～たり、～たりする: 週末は映画を見たり、買い物したりします。
  • "On weekends, I do things like watch movies and go shopping."

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Speech

1. 彼は経験もあるし、知識も深いので、このプロジェクトに最適です。
   • He has experience, and his knowledge is profound, so he's perfect for this project.
2. このレストランは料理が美味しいし、サービスもいいです。
   • The food at this restaurant is delicious, and the service is good.

Informal Speech

1. 明日は暇だし、映画でも見に行こうか。
   • I'm free tomorrow, so shall we go see a movie or something?
2. 彼女は優しいし、面白いし、大好きだ。
   • She's kind and funny, and I really like her.

Written Context

1. この製品は価格も安いし、品質も高いことで知られています。
   • This product is known for being inexpensive and of high quality.
2. その本は内容が難しいし、ページ数も多いので読むのが大変だ。
   • That book is difficult in content and has many pages, so it's tough to read.

Spoken Context

1. 雨も降っているし、風も強いし、出かけるのはやめよう。
   • It's raining, and the wind is strong, so let's not go out.
2. 時間もないし、お金もないし、旅行はまた今度にしよう。
   • I don't have time or money, so let's postpone the trip.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese communication, providing multiple reasons or emphasizing various aspects of a topic is common. Using ～し、～し、～ helps convey thoroughness and consideration, reflecting the Japanese value of attentiveness in conversation.

Levels of Politeness

• The structure remains the same across formal and informal contexts, but the surrounding language should match the desired level of politeness.
  • Formal: Use です/ます forms.
  • Informal: Use plain forms.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 忙しいし、疲れたし、もう寝ます。
  • An idiomatic way to express that due to being busy and tired, the speaker will go to sleep.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Omission of だ with な-adjectives and Nouns
  • ❌ 静かし、親切し
  • ✅ 静かだし、親切だし
• Using です or ます before し
  • ❌ 面白いですし、楽しいですし
  • ✅ 面白いし、楽しいし

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that "だ" is needed with な-adjectives and nouns before し.
• Practice Combining Sentences: Take two simple sentences and combine them using ～し、～し、～.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～し、～し、～ is used to list multiple reasons, actions, or states.
• Formation varies slightly based on word type; remember to add "だ" for な-adjectives and nouns.
• Useful in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize points.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the ～し、～し、～ structure with a な-adjective?
2. Translate to Japanese: "He is smart, and he's athletic."
3. What is a common mistake learners make with this grammar point? Answers:
4. Attach "だし" to the base form of the な-adjective.
5. 彼は頭がいいし、運動神経もいいです。
6. Forgetting to add "だ" before し with な-adjectives and nouns.

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Additional Example Sentences

1. 彼女は歌が上手だし、踊りも得意だ。
   • She's good at singing and also skilled at dancing.
2. この町は静かだし、景色も綺麗だし、住みやすいです。
   • This town is quiet, the scenery is beautiful, and it's easy to live in.
3. その映画はストーリーも面白いし、俳優も素晴らしい。
   • The movie has an interesting story, and the actors are excellent.

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By understanding and practicing the ～し、～し、～ grammar pattern, you'll be able to express multiple reasons or qualities in your Japanese sentences effectively.

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