五体
Meanings
the whole body; all five body parts
Refers to the entire body, often with a nuance of all limbs and head. Sense 3 is the original meaning (head, two hands, two feet; or head, neck, chest, hands, feet). In modern use, 五体 is most common in set phrases like 五体満足 (with all limbs intact).
I am grateful to have been born with all my limbs intact.
After the accident, my whole body no longer moved as I wanted.
the five calligraphy styles
Refers to the five classical styles of writing Chinese characters: seal script (篆書), clerical script (隷書), regular script (楷書), semi-cursive script (行書), and cursive script (草書). This is a specialized term used in calligraphy and historical contexts.
The calligraphy teacher taught me all five styles.
Works in all five calligraphy styles are exhibited at this exhibition.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の五体が震えるfor one's whole body to tremble (with fear, cold, emotion, etc.)
My whole body trembled with fear.