Translation guide
The English word "body" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a physical body, an organization, a main part, or an object.
Referring to the physical structure of a person or animal.
The most common and general word for a living body. Used in everyday conversation.
I exercise every day to build up my body.
My body feels heavy because of a cold.
A slightly more formal term, often used in medical or official contexts.
I had my body's condition checked at a health examination.
Refers to the physical body as opposed to the mind or spirit. Often used in philosophical or literary contexts.
The balance between mind and body is important.
Referring to a corpse.
The standard respectful term for a dead body, used in news and formal situations.
The police discovered a body.
A more direct and somewhat blunt term for a corpse. Can be used in crime reports but may sound insensitive in other contexts.
Can sound harsh or insensitive; use 遺体 for respectful contexts.
A poetic and respectful term for a dead body, often used in literature or eulogies.
Referring to an organized group of people, such as a committee or association.
General term for an organization or group. Suitable for most contexts.
The body is working on environmental protection.
Often used for official or public institutions, such as government bodies.
Emphasizes the structured nature of the group. Can be used for companies, NGOs, etc.
Referring to the central or main part of a structure, text, or vehicle.
The main body or unit of a device, as opposed to accessories. Also used for the main part of a document.
Please place the main body of the printer here.
Specifically the main text of a document, as opposed to headings, footnotes, etc.
The body of a vehicle (car, train, etc.).
Referring to a distinct object in space or physics.
Describing the texture, thickness, or richness of a substance.
When referring to a physical body in everyday contexts, use 体 (からだ). Using 身体 (しんたい) or 肉体 (にくたい) can sound overly formal or literary. For dead bodies, choose the term based on the level of respect required.
団体 is a general term for any organized group. 機関 implies an official or institutional body, often part of a larger system. 組織 emphasizes the structured, systematic nature of the group.
死体はまだ見つかっていない。
The body hasn't been found yet.
彼の亡骸は故郷に運ばれた。
His body was taken back to his hometown.
This body is in charge of education policy.
He works for an international body.
Sign the body of the contract.
メールの本文を読んでください。
Please read the body of the email.
The body of the car was heavily damaged in the accident.
Measure the mass of this body.
新しい天体が発見された。
A new celestial body was discovered.