Meaning and Usage
The word 身体 (しんたい) refers to the physical body or the human body as a whole. It is commonly used in contexts related to health, physical condition, and medical examinations.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 身体 in conversations about health, exercise, or when describing physical symptoms. For example, phrases like 身体がだるい (feeling sluggish) or 身体を動かす (move the body) are typical.
Collocations and Patterns
- 身体を動かす: to move the body, often used when talking about exercise or physical activity.
- 身体がだるい: feeling physically tired or sluggish.
- 身体検査: physical examination, a common term in medical or school health checkups.
Register and Nuance
身体 is a neutral and standard term, appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is more general than terms like 体 (からだ), which can also mean body but is often used more casually.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 身体 with 体. While both mean "body," 身体 often emphasizes the physical or health aspect, especially in medical or formal contexts. Use 身体 when focusing on health or physical condition, and 体 for general or casual references to the body.