Chinese word

身体

Pronunciation

Pinyinshēn tǐ

Meaning

  • nounbody

Example

运动对身体有好处。yùn dòng duì shēn tǐ yǒu hǎo chù

Exercise is good for your body.

Illustration for 身体 (body)

More examples

我今天身体不舒服。wǒ jīn tiān shēn tǐ bù shū fú

I don't feel well today.

Core concept

The living body viewed as both a physical whole and a system that functions well or poorly.

Common phrases

  • 身体不舒服shēn tǐ bù shū fú

    feel unwell

Similar words

头tóu: The part of the body that carries the face and hair and relates to sight and thought.
手shǒu: The part at the end of the arm used to grasp or touch things.
脚jiǎo: The lower part of the body that supports standing and helps with walking.
脸liǎn: The front surface of the head that shows facial expressions and appearance.

Definition in Chinese

指人或动物的肉体整体及其生理机能，有时也泛指健康或体力状况。zhǐ rén huò dòng wù de ròu tǐ zhéng tǐ jí qí shēng lǐ jī néng yǒu shí yě fàn zhǐ jiàn kāng huò tǐ lì zhuàng kuàng

Word origin

The compound 身 (shēn, "body") + 体 (tǐ, "physical form") names the body as a complete physical unit, allowing the meaning to extend to strength and general health.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear "body" mainly as a contrast with mind, while this Chinese noun also appears when describing physical condition or fitness.

Other meanings

  • healthnoun

Word lists with this word