身
Meanings
one's body; one's person
Refers to the physical body, often with a sense of personal possession or involvement. Common in set phrases like 身を守る (protect oneself) or 身に着ける (wear/learn).
He protected the child's body without regard for his own safety.
My body shivers from the cold.
Extends to one's whole self, including appearance, circumstances, or personal affairs. Often used in expressions like 身の上 (one's personal history) or 身だしなみ (personal grooming).
Please tell me about yourself (your life story).
He always takes care of his appearance.
one's place (in society); one's position
Refers to social standing, status, or role. Common in phrases like 身分 (social status) or 身の程を知る (know one's place).
That remark shows you don't know your place.
He was born into a family of high social standing.
main part; flesh (as opposed to bone/skin); wood (as opposed to bark); blade (as opposed to handle); container (as opposed to lid)
Used to refer to the substantive or essential part of something, often in contrast to its covering, handle, or accessory. The specific meaning depends on context (meat, wood, blade, container).
Remove the flesh of the fish from the bones.
This knife has a good balance between the blade and the handle.
Usage patterns· 7
- 身を守るto protect oneself
I learned martial arts to protect myself.
- 身を隠すto hide oneself
He lived deep in the mountains to hide himself.
- 〈事〉が身につくfor a skill or habit to become ingrained in oneself
As I kept practicing, the skill became second nature to me.
- 身を粉にするto work oneself to the bone
He worked himself to the bone.
- 身をもって〈動詞〉to learn or experience something personally, firsthand
He learned its importance through his own experience.
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- 〈物〉の身the flesh/meat of something (as opposed to its shell, bone, or skin)
I took out the meat of the shellfish and ate it.
- 身の危険を感じるto feel that one's life or safety is in danger
Walking alone at night, I felt my safety was at risk.
Expressions· 119
- 身の回りpersonal belongings; one's vicinity; daily life; everyday necessities
- 身の丈stature; body height · one's means; one's status; one's ability
- 身の上one's circumstances; one's personal history; one's station in life · one's lot; one's destiny; one's future
- 身の毛body hair
- 身の程one's social position; one's place; one's standing
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- 身の程知らずnot knowing one's place; presumptuous; overreaching
- 身が入るput one's heart into; be absorbed in; give one's all
- 身を引くresign; step down; withdraw
- 身に染みるto sink in deeply; to hit home; to feel keenly · to pierce the body; to cut through one
- 身につけるlearn; acquire; master · wear; put on; carry on one's person
- 身を立てるmake a success in life; establish oneself
- 次ぐ身next in line; heir
- いい身分lucky you; must be nice
- 自由の身freedom; free person