Japanese word

身内

Pronunciation

Romajimiuchi

Meaning

  • nounfamily

Example

身内に電話します。mi uchi ni den wa shi ma su

I call my family.

Illustration for 身内 (family)

More examples

その秘密は身内にも話しません。so no hi mitsu wa mi uchi ni mo hana shi ma se n

I will not even share that secret with my family.

Core concept

Centers on people regarded as belonging to one's own intimate circle, especially family or relatives, rather than outsiders.

Common phrases

  • 身内に不幸があるmi uchi ni fu kō ga a ru

    have a death in the family

  • 身内に伝えるmi uchi ni tsuta e ru

    tell one's family

  • 身内の集まりmi uchi no atsu ma ri

    family gathering

Similar words

家族kazoku: People related by blood, marriage, or adoption who form a family unit.
親族shinzoku: People connected through blood or marriage within a wider family network.
肉親nikushin: Close relatives connected by blood.
内輪uchiwa: Members of a private group who are treated as insiders.

Definition in Japanese

自分の家族や親族など、親しい関係にある人々。ji bun no ka zoku ya shin zoku na do shita shi i kan kei ni a ru hito bito

Word origin

身内 (miuchi) is a native Japanese compound of 身 (mi, "body") and 内 (uchi, "inside"), referring to people within one's close circle.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, 身内 (miuchi) can mark someone as belonging to the speaker's own side, such as family or close associates, in contrast with outsiders.

Other meanings

  • relativesnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word