Translation and Meaning of: 体 - karada

If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 体 [からだ]. It is essential in everyday vocabulary and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to deeper expressions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, kanji writing, and how it is used in Japanese culture. Additionally, you will discover practical tips to memorize it and understand why it is so frequent in the language.

The meaning and writing of 体 [からだ]

The word 体 [からだ] means "body" in Japanese, referring to both the physical aspect and the overall health of a person. It is composed of the kanji 体, which conveys the idea of structure or physical form. This character is formed by the radicals 亻 (person) and 本 (origin), suggesting a connection to the essence of being human.

Unlike other words that can have abstract meanings, 体 [からだ] is quite concrete and direct. Its use is common in phrases like "体に気をつけて" (take care of your body) or "体がだるい" (I feel tired). Being a everyday word, it frequently appears in dialogues, animes, and even in expressions related to well-being.

Origin and cultural usage of 体 [からだ]

The origin of the kanji 体 traces back to ancient Chinese, where it was used to represent the physical structure of the human body. Over time, the term was incorporated into Japanese with the same meaning, maintaining its relation to health and physical form. In Japanese culture, taking care of the body is seen as fundamental, and this is reflected in the frequent use of this word.

In broader contexts, 体 [からだ] can also appear in expressions that go beyond the physical. For example, the word 体力 [たいりょく] (physical strength) derives from it, showing how the concept of "body" is connected to endurance and vitality. This type of usage reinforces the importance of the word in the daily lives of Japanese people.

Tips for memorizing and using 体 [からだ]

An effective way to memorize 体 [からだ] is to associate it with practical situations, such as talking about health or describing physical sensations. Phrases like "体が痛い" (my body is sore) or "体を動かす" (move the body) help to reinforce the term in your vocabulary. Another tip is to observe its kanji, which visually resembles a person (亻) and its base (本).

Furthermore, this word is so common that it appears in many animes and dramas, especially in scenes that involve sports, illness, or fatigue. Paying attention to these contexts can make learning easier. If you use flashcards, including short examples with 体 [からだ] can be a great way to practice.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 身体 (karada) - Body refers to the physical form of the human being.
• 体格 (taikaku) - Physical constitution, referring to the body's structure and size.
• 肉体 (nikutai) - Physical body, emphasizing the matter or substance of the body.
• 体裁 (taizai) - Presentation or appearance of the body, often used in aesthetic contexts.
• 体系 (taikei) - Body system, referring to the organization of the body or internal structure.
• 体力 (taira) - Physical capacity or body strength, often associated with endurance and energy.
• 体温 (taion) - Body temperature, an important element for physical health.
• 体感 (taikan) - Body perception, sensations, or experiences related to physical state.
• 体積 (taiseki) - Volume of the body, referring to the space occupied by the physical body.

体

Romaji: karada
Kana: からだ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: body's health

Meaning in English: body;health

Definition: living beings.

Example Sentences - (体) karada

See below some example sentences:

心臓は体の中で最も重要な器官です。

Shinzou wa karada no naka de mottomo juuyou na kikan desu

The heart is the most important organ in the body.

• 心臓 (shinzou) - heart
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体 (karada) - body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 中 (naka) - inside
• で (de) - Location particle
• 最も (mottomo) - the most
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 器官 (kikan) - organ
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

死体を見つけた。

Shitai wo mitsuketa

I found a dead body.

• 死体 - dead body
• を - object particle
• 見つけた - found

液体は透明です。

Ekitai wa toumei desu

The liquid is transparent.

• 液体 (ryūtai) - Noun meaning "liquid"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 透明 (tōmei) - adjective meaning "transparent"
• です (desu) - Auxiliary verb that indicates the polite and affirmative form of the present tense

液体は容器に入れて扱ってください。

Ekitai wa yōki ni irete atsukatte kudasai

The liquid should be handled in a container.

• 液体 (ryūtai) - liquid
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 容器 (yōki) - container
• に (ni) - target particle
• 入れて (irete) - put inside
• 扱って (atsukatte) - handle, deal with
• ください (kudasai) - Please, make.

物体がない。

Buttai ga nai

There is no object.

• 物体 - object
• が - subject particle
• ない - negation of the verb "exist"

疲れた身体を休めましょう。

Tsukareta karada wo yasumemashou

Let's rest the tired body.

Rest your tired body.

• 疲れた - tired out
• 身体 - body
• を - direct object particle
• 休めましょう - let's rest

私は体重を計ります。

Watashi wa taijuu wo hakarimasu

I weight.

I measured weight.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 体重 (taijuu) - noun meaning "body weight"
• を (wo) - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "body weight"
• 計ります (hakarimasu) - verb meaning "to measure"

私は毎日体を鍛える。

Watashi wa mainichi karada o kitaeru

I exercise my body every day.

I train my body every day.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 毎日 (mainichi) - adverb meaning "every day"
• 体 (karada) - noun meaning "body"
• を (wo) - Particle that marks the direct object of the sentence
• 鍛える (kitaeru) - verb meaning "to train" or "to exercise"

私は彼の正体を知っている。

Watashi wa kare no shoutai o shitte iru

I know his true identity.

I know his identity.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• の - Japanese particle that indicates possession or relationship
• 正体 - The Japanese noun that means "identity" or "true nature" is "本質" (honshitsu).
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 知っている - Japanese verb that means "to know" or "to be familiar with," in the affirmative present tense

私の体重は増えています。

Watashi no taijuu wa fuete imasu

My weight is increasing.

My weight is winning.

• 私 - personal pronoun meaning "I" in Japanese.
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 体重 - noun that means "body weight".
• は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 増えています - verb meaning "to be increasing" in the present tense and polite form.