し (Reasons)
And, Giving reasons
Structure
［い］Adjective (A) + し + （［い］Adjective (B) + し）
［な］Adjective (A) + だ + し + （［な］Adjective (B) + だ + し）
Noun (A) + だ + し + （Noun (B) + だ + し）
Explanation
Much like the て-form, the particle し is used to connect clauses. Its primary function is to list multiple reasons or contributing factors for a particular situation or outcome. While it often translates to 'and,' it carries the nuance of 'and what's more' or 'not only... but also...'
し can be attached to most word types. It follows the plain form of verbs and い-adjectives, but requires だ when following nouns and な-adjectives. You will place し after each reason you list. To make the cause-and-effect relationship more explicit, the final し can be swapped with から or ので before stating the conclusion.
- このアパートは駅に近いし、家賃も安いし、ここに住みたいです。This apartment is close to the station and the rent is cheap, so I'd like to live here.
- このかばんはデザインが古いし、重いし、あまり好きじゃない。This bag's design is old and it's heavy, so I don't really like it.
- 先生は熱心だし、説明も上手だし、学生に人気があります。The teacher is enthusiastic and a good explainer, so they're popular with the students.
- 明日は日曜日だし、宿題もないし、一日中ゲームをしよう。Tomorrow is Sunday, and I don't have homework, so let's play games all day.
When using し, there is a strong implication that all listed factors contribute to the conclusion with similar significance. For this reason, it is considered unnatural to pair a very minor point with a major, life-altering event.
- パスポートを失くしたし、少し疲れているし、旅行をやめることにした。I lost my passport and I'm a little tired, so I decided to cancel my trip. (Unnatural Japanese, as the seriousness of losing a passport is far greater than being slightly tired.)
Fun Fact
At its core, し is used to list things that can 矛盾無く共存する, meaning they 'coexist without contradiction'. This underlying principle is why the reasons listed with し should carry a comparable level of importance within the speaker's overall message.
Examples
このレストランは値段が安いし、料理もおいしいし、いつも混んでいる。
This restaurant is cheap and the food is delicious (among other things), so it's always crowded.
このパソコンは軽いし、バッテリーも長持ちするし、ぜひ欲しい。
This computer is light and the battery lasts a long time (among other things). I really want it!
あの先生は教え方が上手だし、質問にも親切だし、学生に人気がある。
That teacher explains things well and is kind when you ask questions (among other things). He's popular with the students.
家賃が安いし、部屋が広いし、景色もいいから、ここに引っ越したい。
The rent is cheap and the room is spacious and the view is good, so I want to move here.
頭が痛いし、少し熱もあるし、今日は会社を休もうと思う。
I have a headache and I have a bit of a fever (among other things), so I think I'll take the day off from work.
一生懸命勉強すれば、試験に合格できるし、いい大学に入れるかもしれないよ。
If you study hard, you can pass the exam (among other things) and you might be able to get into a good university.
部屋を片付けたし、お風呂も掃除したし、買い物にも行ったから、少し休んでもいい？
I tidied my room and I cleaned the bathroom and I went shopping. So can I rest for a bit?
雨が降って来たし、もう遅いから、そろそろ帰りましょうか。
It's started to rain and it's already late, so shall we head home soon?
最近、物忘れがひどくなったし、疲れやすくもなった。年を取ったなあ。
Lately, I've become very forgetful and I get tired easily (among other things). I've really gotten old.
値段は高いし、サービスも悪いので、あの店にはもう行きたくないです。
The prices are high and the service is bad, so I don't want to go to that shop anymore.
このアプリを使ったら、無料で音楽が聴けるし、新しい曲も見つけやすい。
If you use this app, you can listen to music for free and it's easy to find new songs (among other things).
日本の夏は蒸し暑いし、台風も多い。
Summer in Japan is hot and humid and there are a lot of typhoons (among other things).