Translation and Meaning of: 中身 - nakami

The word 「中身」 (nakami) combines the kanji 「中」 (naka), which means "inside" or "interior," and 「身」 (mi), which means "body" or "content." Together, these characters create the idea of something that is contained or makes up the interior of something. This combination is used to describe the content of an object, whether it's physical, like a box, or more abstract, like the content of a conversation.

In Japanese, the concept of 「中身」 is quite applicable and versatile, as it can be used in a variety of contexts. In addition to referring to the physical content of containers, the term can also allude to immaterial aspects, such as ideas or emotions. For example, one can talk about the 「中身」 of a person, referring to their character or personality, or even use the expression to describe details of a plan or project.

The origin of the use of 「中身」 to describe broad and varied contents is linked to Japanese culture and its appreciation for the spirit (「心」, kokoro) and the essence of things. Historically, this is closely related to the concept of finding beauty and meaning in the intangible, something that is quite present in Japanese literature and art. This rich cultural history helps to explain why words like 「中身」 are used so effectively to describe more than just physical items.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 中身 (nakami) - Content, inside of something.
• 内容 (naiyou) - Content, what is included in something; most often used in formal contexts.
• 中心 (chuushin) - Center, the central point of something; it can be physical or metaphorical.
• 中央 (chuuou) - Center, reference to a central position, often in geographical or administrative contexts.
• 中核 (chuukaku) - core, the central or main part of something that maintains its structure.
• 本質 (honshitsu) - Essence, the intrinsic nature of something.
• 要点 (youten) - Main point or essential part of an argument or text; important summary.
• 要旨 (youshi) - Summary or essence; it generally refers to the main objective or central idea of a text.
• 要素 (youso) - Element, constituent part of a whole.
• 肝心 (kanjin) - Essential, something critical or fundamental; often implies vital importance.
• 核心 (kakushin) - Nucleus, the most essential or central part of a subject.
• 本体 (hontai) - Main body, substance, or entity itself, without the additional parts.
• 本題 (hondai) - Main theme or central issue of a discussion or text.
• 本旨 (honshi) - Main objective or intention; refers to the substantial purpose.
• 本心 (honshin) - True heart, sincerity; a person's true intentions.
• 本意 (hon'i) - The true intention or meaning of an action or speech is often not apparent.
• 本義 (hongi) - Original or substantial meaning of a word or concept.
• 本懐 (honkai) - Deepest wish or true aspiration, usually in personal contexts.
• 本筋 (honsuji) - Main line of an argument; the plot or central narrative line in stories.
• 本線 (hon-sen) - Main line, often used in transportation contexts or essential connections.
• 本流 (honryuu) - Mainstream or traditional, often referring to a prevailing influence or style.
• 本流れ (hon-nagare) - Mainstream, current, or flow that is traditional or established.
• 本流派 (honryuha) - Main school or traditional style, the most recognized trend within a discipline.
• 本流儀 (honryuugi) - Main practices or rituals of a tradition or school.
• 本流儀式 (honryuushiki) - Main ritual, recognized traditional ceremony.
• 本流儀礼 (honryuurei) - Etiquette or protocol within the main tradition or school.
• 本流儀式典 (honryuushikiten) - Formal ceremony of the main style, educational or cultural.
• 本流儀典礼 (honryuudenrei) - Formal ritual or ceremony recognized within the main tradition.

中身

Romaji: nakami
Kana: なかみ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: content; interior; substance; filling; (sword) blade

Meaning in English: contents;interior;substance;filling;(sword) blade

Definition: A part contained in something.

Example Sentences - (中身) nakami

See below some example sentences:

この箱の中身は何ですか？

Kono hako no nakami wa nan desu ka?

What is the content of this box?

What is the content of this box?

• この - demonstrative that indicates proximity, "this"
• 箱 - noun that means "box"
• の - particle that indicates possession, "da"
• 中身 - noun that means "content"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, "about"
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• ですか - expression that indicates a polite question, "what is it?"

皮を剥くと中身が出てくる。

Kawa wo muku to nakami ga dete kuru

When the skin peels off

When the skin is peeled, the contents come out.

• 皮 - means "shell" or "skin".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 剥く - verb meaning "to peel" or "to shell".
• と - particle that indicates the connection between two things.
• 中身 - It means "content" or "interior."
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 出てくる - verb that means "to come out" or "to appear."