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.
毎日運動して体を鍛えています。
I exercise every day to build up my body.
風邪で体がだるい。
My body feels heavy because of a cold.
A slightly more formal term, often used in medical or official contexts.
健康診断で身体の状態をチェックした。
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.
精神と肉体のバランスが大切だ。
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.
警察は遺体を発見した。
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.
その団体は環境保護に取り組んでいる。
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.
プリンターの本体はここに置いてください。
Please place the main body of the printer here.
契約書の本体に署名する。
Sign the body of the contract.
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.
General term for a physical object or body, used in science.
宇宙には無数の天体が存在する。
There are countless celestial bodies in space.
この物体の質量を測定する。
Measure the mass of this body.
Specifically a celestial body (star, planet, etc.).
Describing the texture, thickness, or richness of a substance.
Often used for the rich, full-bodied quality of food or drink, like wine or ramen broth.
このワインはコクがある。
This wine has body.
Used for hair to mean it has volume or body.
このシャンプーを使うと髪にボリュームが出る。
This shampoo gives your hair body.
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.
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.
新しい天体が発見された。
A new celestial body was discovered.