身
JLPT N4
Body, oneself
Readings
On’yomi: シン (shin)
Kun’yomi: み , むね (mi, mune)
• み (mi) – body, oneself
• むね (mune) – chest, though rarely used in compounds
Structure
Composition:
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Detailed Explanation
Vocabulary
身
み
body
身体
しんたい
body
自身
じしん
oneself
独身
どくしん
single
身分
みぶん
status
Example Sentences
身を守ります。
み を まもります。
I protect myself.
自身を大切にします。
じしん を たいせつ に します。
I take care of myself.
Cultural Note
💪 身 is central in Japanese culture and language:
• Physical: Refers to the human body, health, and physical presence.
• Social / Personal: Often used to indicate self, one’s status, or personal responsibility (e.g., 身分).
• Idiomatic expressions:
o 身を守る – to protect oneself
o 身を投じる – to dedicate oneself fully (e.g., in work or duty)
• This kanji emphasizes personal responsibility, awareness, and respect for one’s body and position in society.
• Physical: Refers to the human body, health, and physical presence.
• Social / Personal: Often used to indicate self, one’s status, or personal responsibility (e.g., 身分).
• Idiomatic expressions:
o 身を守る – to protect oneself
o 身を投じる – to dedicate oneself fully (e.g., in work or duty)
• This kanji emphasizes personal responsibility, awareness, and respect for one’s body and position in society.