身 — Body, Oneself

Meaning

The kanji 身 (mi, shin) means “body,” “oneself,” or “a person.” While it refers to the physical body, it also encompasses broader ideas like identity, social status, and the core essence of something. This makes it a fundamental kanji for describing not only physical attributes but also an individual's personal circumstances or background.

Its origin traces back to a pictograph of a pregnant woman depicted in profile. The ancient form clearly showed a swollen belly and legs, emphasizing the central "body" part. Over time, the character evolved, losing the specific detail of pregnancy but retaining the core concept of the human body. This shift—from a specific body part to a general representation of a person's physical being and self—underscores its significance in personal identification.

Visually, 身 vaguely resembles a torso or the central part of a human figure. You can imagine the top horizontal stroke as the shoulders, the long vertical stroke as the spine, and the curving lower part as the waist and hips. This visual connection strongly reinforces its primary meaning as the "body" or "self."

The kanji 身 has 7 strokes and is taught in the 3rd grade in Japanese elementary schools, reflecting its early introduction and frequent use. It also serves as its own radical. This means it sometimes appears as the primary component in other characters related to the body or self, though this is less common compared to many other radicals.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The on'yomi reading for 身 is シン (shin). You'll typically find this reading in compound words, especially those with Chinese origins. It often refers to the physical body, a person's height, or their origin and identity in more formal contexts.

• 身体しんたい (shintai) — body, physique. This refers to the physical body as a whole. For example, 彼の身体しんたいは健康けんこうだ (Kare no shintai wa kenkō da) means “His body is healthy.”
• 出身しゅっしん (shusshin) — origin, background, place of birth. Literally "emerging body," it indicates where someone comes from. For instance, 私わたしは東京出身とうきょうしゅっしんです (Watashi wa Tōkyō shusshin desu) means “I am from Tokyo.”
• 身長しんちょう (shinchō) — height (of a person). This compound specifically refers to a person's physical stature or height. For example, 彼かれの身長しんちょうは180cmだ (Kare no shinchō wa hyaku-hachi-jū senchi da) means “His height is 180cm.”
• 自身じしん (jishin) — oneself, by oneself. Often used to emphasize a person's own involvement or identity. For example, 彼かれ自身じしんがそれをやった (Kare jishin ga sore o yatta) means “He himself did it.”

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The primary kun'yomi reading for 身 is み (mi). You'll find this reading when 身 appears alone or in native Japanese compound words. It generally refers to the body, oneself, or the core substance of something, often carrying a more personal or intrinsic nuance than the on'yomi.

• 身み (mi) — body, oneself, flesh. Used standalone, it often refers to one's person or physical being. For instance, 身みを守まもる (mi o mamoru) means “to protect oneself.”
• 身振りみぶり (miburi) — gesture. This refers to body movements used for communication. For example, 身振り手振りみぶりてぶりで話はなす (miburi-teburi de hanasu) means “to speak with gestures and hand movements.”
• 身につけるみにつける (mini tsukeru) — to learn, to acquire (a skill), or to wear. Literally meaning "to attach to oneself/body," it means to learn or acquire a skill, or to wear something. For example, 英語えいごを身みにつける (eigo o mini tsukeru) means “to acquire English proficiency.”
• 身の上みのうえ (minoue) — one's personal history, one's circumstances. This refers to a person's personal history or circumstances. For example, 彼女かのじょの身の上話みのうえばなし (kanojo no minoue banashi) means “her personal story.”

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 身 appears in numerous essential Japanese words and compounds, demonstrating its wide range of uses from physical attributes to social standing.

• 身体しんたい (shintai) — body, physique. Used in formal and medical contexts, such as 身体検査しんたいけんさ (shintai kensa - physical examination).
• 身長しんちょう (shinchō) — height (of a person). Essential for describing physical appearance.
• 身振りみぶり (miburi) — gesture. Movements of the body for communication.
• 身だしなみみだしなみ (midashinami) — personal appearance, grooming. How one presents oneself.
• 自分じぶん (jibun) — oneself. A very common word combining 自 (self) and 身 (body/self).
• 自身じしん (jishin) — oneself, by oneself. Emphasizes personal involvement.
• 出身しゅっしん (shusshin) — origin, background. Where a person comes from.
• 身分みぶん (mibun) — social status, identity. Refers to one's position in society.
• 独身どくしん (dokushin) — single, unmarried. Literally "lone body."
• 身近みぢか (midjika) — familiar, close to one's heart, nearby. It implies something that is personally relevant or physically close.
• 全身ぜんしん (zenshin) — whole body. Combining 全 (whole) with 身 (body).
• 身につけるみにつける (mini tsukeru) — to learn, to acquire (a skill); to wear (on one's person).
• 身の回りみのまわり (minomawari) — personal belongings, things around oneself.
• 身軽みがる (migaru) — light (of baggage, equipment), agile, unencumbered.
• 身元みもと (mimoto) — identity, one's background or origin.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember 身, visualize it as a simplified drawing of a person's body from the chest down, with an emphasis on the torso. Imagine the top horizontal line as the shoulders, the long vertical stroke as the spine, and the curving lower part as the waist and legs. It represents the essential "body" or core physical self, without the head or limbs. Think of this shape as the 'body' you inhabit, the 'self' that carries you through life, and the foundation of your identity.