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How to say 'Body' in Japanese | 身

Wondering how to say 'Body' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Body is 'Mi', written as 身 in Japanese.'Body' in hiragana is み.

    word

    Meaning

    Body

    Reading

    mi

    Kanji

    Body, Self

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '身 (み)' primarily means 'body'. It refers to the physical form of a person or animal. However, it can also be used metaphorically to refer to one's self or one's life. For example: protect your body「身を守りなさい」(みをまもりなさい). He risked his life「彼は身を危険にさらした」(かれはみをきけんにさらした). Additionally, '身' can sometimes refer to the flesh of fruits or the edible part of something, as in 'the flesh of the fruit is sweet「果物の身は甘い」(くだもののみはあまい)'. This word is versatile and context-dependent, so its meaning can shift slightly based on usage.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    Unknown

    Kanji Grade

    3

    Frequency

    357

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Body, Self

Words Related to Through the Kanji

These 16 Words contain the Kanji 身 as well.

  • word

    自身

    Meaning

    Self

  • word

    身体

    Meaning

    Body

  • word

    出身

    Meaning

    Origin

  • word

    刺身

    Meaning

    Sashimi

  • word

    全身

    Meaning

    Whole body

  • word

    身分

    Meaning

    Status

  • word

    中身

    Meaning

    Contents

  • word

    受け身

    Meaning

    Passive, Defenselessness

  • word

    身近

    Meaning

    Close

  • word

    半身

    Meaning

    Half body

  • word

    独身

    Meaning

    Single

  • word

    心身

    Meaning

    Mind body

  • word

    身長

    Meaning

    Height

  • word

    身の回り

    Meaning

    Surroundings, Belongings

  • word

    身なり

    Meaning

    Appearance

  • word

    身振り

    Meaning

    Gesture

Learn the Word

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Mi' (身) mean?

'Mi' means 'Body' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.