私たち
watashitachi
The Japanese word for "us" is 私たち (watashitachi).
私たち is the standard way to say "us" in Japanese. In Japanese, the word for "us" is often omitted entirely if the context makes it clear who is being referred to.
Meaning: objective case of "we" (pron)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of watashi (I/me) and the pluralizing suffix tachi (group/plural marker).
Which one should you use?
While 私たち is the standard and polite way to say "us", 僕たち (bokutachi) is a more masculine and informal alternative used primarily by males. For very formal or stiff situations, one might use 我々 (wareware).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 私たち as the direct object of a verb, the particle を is added to the end. To say "to us" or "for us", the particle に is used after 私たち.
How do you pronounce it?
watashitachi
Did you know?
- If a group is including the listener, one might use こちら (kochira), which literally means 'this way', to refer to 'us' in a very polite, indirect manner.
- The pluralizing suffix たち (tachi) can actually be used to show a sense of distance or condescension if applied to a group the speaker is not a part of.
- In much of Japanese literature and older media, characters might use 我ら (warera), a more archaic and grand version of 'us' that sounds like something from an epic tale.
Examples in context
- 私たちを信じて。You must trust us.This sentence shows how to use 私たち as a direct object with the particle を.Tatoeba #10905833 by SomeHungryBois, translation #2954616 by CK
- 私たちを探してるの？Are you looking for us?This sentence shows how to use 私たち with the particle を in a question.Tatoeba #8689692 by small_snow, translation #1886333 by CK
- 私たちに近づかないで。Stay away from us.This sentence shows how to use 私たち with the particle に.Tatoeba #3588638 by arnab, translation #3184887 by CK
- Watashitachi wa ryokō ni ikimasu. (私たちは旅行に行きます。)We are going on a trip.
- Wareware wa konnan ni tachimukatteiru. (我々は困難に立ち向かっている。)We are facing difficulties.
- Bokutachi wa ashita eiga ni iku yo! (僕たちは明日映画に行くよ！)We're going to the movies tomorrow!
- Atashitachi wa kōen de aimashō. (あたしたちは公園で会いましょう。)Let's meet at the park.
- 308 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are deciding who will go to the store.
- 蓮 Ren誰が買い物に行く？Dare ga kaimono ni iku?Who is going shopping?
- 結衣 Yui私たちに任せて。Watashitachi ni makasete.Leave it to us.
- 蓮 Ren本当？助かるよ。Hontō? Tasukaru yo.Really? That helps a lot.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、今から行くね。Un, ima kara iku ne.Yeah, we'll go now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
