半身
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
half of the body; half length
Refers to one side of the body (left or right) or the upper/lower half. Also used for half-length portraits or clothing.
Half of his body became paralyzed due to the accident.
I had a half-length portrait painted.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が半身を起こすto raise oneself up halfway (e.g. from lying down)
The patient sat up halfway on the bed.
- 半身に構えるto stand in a half-turned stance
The swordsman took a half-turned stance and waited for his opponent.
- 〈人〉が半身を乗り出すto lean one's upper body forward eagerly
He leaned forward eagerly, listening with great interest.