Meaning
The particle し connects two or more clauses in their plain form to show parallel information or multiple reasons/causes. It can be used once or multiple times, with the final clause often ending in です/ます. This pattern is flexible and commonly trails off with し to suggest additional unstated reasons.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞辞書形 | 動詞辞書形 し、… |
| 動詞（た形） | 動詞た形 し、… |
| い形容詞 | い形容詞 し、… |
| な形容詞 | な形容詞だ し、… |
| 名詞 | 名詞だ し、… |
Examples
-
A：佐藤くん、風邪は 大丈夫ですか。 B：熱は もう下がったし、のども 痛くないし、大丈夫です。
A: Satoh, are you okay with your cold? B: My fever has gone down, and my throat doesn't hurt either, so I'm fine. -
この靴、色も きれいだし、サイズも ちょうどいいし、これに します。
This shoe has a nice color, and the size fits just right, so I'll take it. -
A：どうして 一緒に 遊びに 行かないの。 B：明日 数学の テストだし、わたしは 数学が 苦手だし、今日は 家で 復習します。
A: Why don't you come play with us? B: I have a math test tomorrow, and besides, I'm not good at math, so I'll review at home today. -
佐藤くんは 足を けがしたし、あまり 動けないよね。
Satoh injured his foot, so he can't move around much, right? -
ごめん、今日 飲み会に 行けないわ。これから、仕事もあるし…。
Sorry, I can't make it to the drinking party today. I have work to do from now on, and...
Summary
- Use し to list multiple reasons, examples, or characteristics of something—can appear once or multiple times
- When multiple し appear, they show parallel/equal importance; a single し often indicates primary reason
- Common in casual speech to trail off mid-sentence (ending with し) to imply additional unstated reasons