一身
Meanings
1
oneself; one's own body; one's whole being
Refers to the entirety of one's own person, body, or self. Often used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize personal responsibility, dedication, or the singular focus of an individual.
He devoted his whole self to the project.
I am prepared to take full responsibility upon myself.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉を一身に負うto take on something (a duty, responsibility) entirely by oneself
The president bears the entire responsibility for the company himself.
- 〈事〉を一身に受けるto be the sole recipient of something (criticism, praise, etc.)
He alone bore all the public criticism.
- 一身を〈事〉に捧げるto devote one's whole self to something
She devoted her whole being to her research.
Expressions
- 一身に集めるbecome the focus of; attract all of