私

How to remember it

私 literally means "private"; watakushi is the stiff, formal reading of it.

Example sentences

• わたくしは田中と申します。

  わたくしはたなかともうします。

  My name is Tanaka (formal).

• わたくしが責任者です。

  わたくしがせきにんしゃです。

  I am the person in charge.

Usage

Very formal/business register; also means "private affairs" in compounds.

Related words