Chinese word

身子

Pronunciation

Pinyinshēn zi

Meaning

  • nounbody

Example

你要注意身子，别太累了。nǐ yào zhù yì shēn zi bié tài lèi le

Look after your body, and don't get too tired.

Illustration for 身子 (body)

More examples

连续工作一周，他的身子吃不消了。lián xù gōng zuò yì zhōu tā de shēn zi chī bù xiāo le

After working continuously for a week, his body could not take it anymore.

Core concept

The physical self viewed as a living body's strength, condition, and ability to keep going.

Common phrases

  • 身子硬朗shēn zi yìng lǎng

    be in robust health

  • 身子吃不消shēn zi chī bù xiāo

    one's body cannot take it

Similar words

身体shēn tǐ: A person's complete physical form, referred to in formal language.
体力tǐ lì: The physical strength and endurance needed for activity or exercise.
健康jiàn kāng: A state in which the body and mind are well and free from illness or other problems.

Definition in Chinese

指人的身体，或指身体的健康、体力状况的俗称，常在口语中用于劝慰或提醒他人注意健康。zhǐ rén de shēn tǐ huò zhǐ shēn tǐ de jiàn kāng tǐ lì zhuàng kuàng de sú chēng cháng zài kóu yǔ zhōng yòng yú quàn wèi huò tí xǐng tā rén zhù yì jiàn kāng

Word origin

The colloquial form 身子 (shēnzi, "body") combines 身 (shēn, "body") with 子 (zi, "noun-forming suffix"), making a familiar noun that can refer to both the body and how it is holding up.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often reserve body for the physical form, but this everyday Chinese noun can also frame concern about whether someone is well enough or too tired.

Other meanings

  • physical conditionnoun
  • healthnoun

Word lists with this word