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身を立てる (みをたてる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, ichidan verb
make a success in life ; establish oneself
Idiomatic expression meaning to build a successful career or life, often through one's own efforts. Used in contexts of self-reliance and personal achievement.
おも
っ
て
いる
。
I want to establish myself through scholarship.
Kanji 身 somebody, person, one's station in life Similar words 出しゅっ 世せ する 出世する focuses on career advancement or promotion within an organization, while 身を立てる is broader, encompassing building one's entire life or livelihood, not limited to a job.
独どく 立りつ する 独立する means to become independent (e.g., starting one's own business), whereas 身を立てる emphasizes the process of achieving success and stability in life.
Etymology The expression combines 身 (body, oneself) with 立てる (to stand up, establish), literally 'to stand oneself up,' figuratively meaning to establish one's position in life. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it has been used idiomatically since at least the Edo period.