生身
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
living flesh; flesh and blood; living human body
Emphasizes the physical, vulnerable reality of a living human body, often contrasted with inanimate objects, spirits, or idealized concepts.
I'm flesh and blood, so I get tired sometimes.
Going into space with a living human body is tough.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
raw flesh; raw meat; raw fish
Refers to uncooked animal flesh, especially fish. Less common than 生肉 (なまにく) for general raw meat, but used in contexts like sushi or sashimi.
Filleting raw fish is difficult.
Usage patterns
- 生身の〈人〉a flesh-and-blood person (as opposed to a spirit, machine, or idealized figure)
He's not a god—he's a flesh-and-blood human being.
- 生身の体で〈動詞〉to do something with one's own vulnerable, physical body (no armor/machine)
He faced the dangerous job with nothing but his own body to protect him.
- 〈人〉は生身だto point out that someone is only human, with a body that can get hurt or tired
No matter how strong he is, he's only human and needs rest.