Translation and Meaning of: 体 - tei

The Japanese word 体[てい] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those learning the language. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in everyday Japanese. Additionally, we will understand why this specific reading of the kanji 体 is not as common as others and in which contexts it appears. If you have ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary to look up Japanese terms, you know how details like these make a difference in learning.

Meaning and origin of 体[てい]

The kanji 体 is generally read as "karada" or "tai", meaning "body" or "physical form". However, the reading [てい] is less frequent and appears mainly in specific contexts, such as technical terms or old expressions. This pronunciation has roots in classical Chinese, where the character was used in more formal compositions.

A well-known example is the word 体格[たいかく] (physical constitution), which retains the most common reading. In older medical or philosophical texts, it is possible to find 体[てい] as part of compound terms. This variation shows how Japanese preserves historical linguistic influences even in everyday words.

Everyday usage and frequency

In modern Japan, the reading [てい] is rare in informal conversations. It appears more in written language, especially in academic documents or fixed expressions. For example, the word 体制[たいせい] (system, structure) uses the same kanji, but with a different pronunciation, which can confuse beginners.

Those who study Japanese may encounter this reading in specialized materials, such as anatomy books or Buddhist texts. The tip here is to pay attention to the context: if the word is isolated, it will likely be read as "karada" or "tai". If it’s part of a more complex term, it’s worth consulting a reliable dictionary like Suki Nihongo to confirm.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

One way to remember this less common reading is to associate it with words that already use it, such as 体裁[ていさい] (appearance, outer form). This term is useful in social situations and helps to fix the pronunciation [てい] in memory. Another strategy is to create flashcards with real examples, avoiding memorizing the kanji in isolation.

Interestingly, the use of 体[てい] reflects how Japanese has absorbed different linguistic layers over the centuries. While "karada" is a purely Japanese reading (kun'yomi), [てい] comes from Chinese influence (on'yomi). This duality is part of what makes learning the language both fascinating and challenging at the same time.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 身体 (shintai) - Human body refers to the physical form of people.
• 体格 (taikaku) - Physical constitution refers to a person's structure and physical build.
• 体躯 (taiku) - Body, frequently emphasizing physical build and size.
• 肉体 (nikutai) - Physical body, usually used to distinguish it from the spirit or soul.
• 体裁 (taisai) - Physical presentation or appearance, emphasizing the exterior and style.
• 体系 (taikei) - System, usually used in scientific or organizational contexts about the body.
• 体力 (tairyoku) - Physical strength, skill, or physical endurance.
• 体温 (taion) - Body temperature, measurement of the body's physical temperature.
• 体感 (taikan) - Body sensation refers to the perception of one's own body.
• 体積 (taiseki) - Body volume refers to the measurement of the space occupied by the body.

体

Romaji: tei
Kana: てい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: appearance; air; condition; state; form

Meaning in English: appearance;air;condition;state;form

Definition: Refers to an entity made of matter or an external part that surrounds the outer part of a living organism.

Example Sentences - (体) tei

See below some example sentences:

愛憎は表裏一体だ。

Aizou wa hyouri ittai da

Love and hate are the same currency.

• 愛憎 - Love and hate
• は - connecting particle
• 表裏 - front and back
• 一体 - unity, integrity
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

身体が伸びると気持ちが良いです。

Karada ga nobiru to kimochi ga ii desu

It's good to feel the body stretching.

It's good when your body grows.

• 身体が伸びる - the body stretches
• と - connects the previous sentence with the next
• 気持ちが良い - is nice
• です - is

血液は身体の中で重要な役割を果たしています。

Ketsueki wa karada no naka de juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

Blood plays an important role in the body.

Blood plays an important role in the body.

• 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
• 身体 (shintai) - body
• 重要 (juuyou) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• 果たす (hatasu) - perform/fulfill
• しています (shiteimasu) - Is doing

血管は体内の血液を運ぶ重要な役割を果たしています。

Kekkan wa tainai no ketsueki o hakobu juuyou na yakuwari o hatashite imasu

The blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood throughout the body.

Blood vessels play an important role in transporting blood in the body.

• 血管 (ketsukan) - blood vessel
• 体内 (tainai) - inside the body
• 血液 (ketsueki) - blood
• 運ぶ (hakobu) - transport
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - role/function
• 果たしています (hatashite imasu) - performing

温泉に入ると心も体もリフレッシュできる。

Onsen ni hairu to kokoro mo karada mo rifuresshu dekiru

Taking a bath in a hot spring can refresh your mind and body.

When you enter the hot spring, you can refresh your mind and body.

• 温泉 - hot springs
• に - particle indicating location
• 入る - login
• と - particle that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship
• 心 - heart, mind
• も - particle that indicates inclusion
• 体 - body
• も - particle that indicates inclusion
• リフレッシュ - refresh, renew
• できる - Be able to

浮力は水中で物体が浮く力です。

Furyoku wa suichuu de buttai ga fuku chikara desu

Buoyancy is the force that makes objects float in water.

Buoyancy is the power of the object floating underwater.

• 浮力 - buoyancy force
• は - Topic particle
• 水中 - in water
• で - Location particle
• 物体 - object
• が - subject particle
• 浮く - to float
• 力 - strength
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

団体の活動はとても盛んです。

Dantai no katsudou wa totemo sakon desu

Group activities are very exciting.

The group's activities are very active.

• 団体 - group, team
• の - Possession particle
• 活動 - activity
• は - Topic particle
• とても - very
• 盛ん - prosperous, active
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

体育は健康に良いです。

Taiiku wa kenkou ni yoi desu

Physical education is good for health.

Physical education is good for your health.

• 体育 - sport
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - particle indicating the target of the action
• 良い - good
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

この液体の濃度は非常に高いです。

Kono ekitai no nōdo wa hijō ni takai desu

The concentration of this liquid is very high.

The concentration of this liquid is very high.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 液体 - Noun meaning "liquid"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between words
• 濃度 - noun that means "concentration"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 非常に - adverb meaning "very"
• 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この文章の文体はとても美しいです。

Kono bunshou no buntai wa totemo utsukushii desu

The writing of this text is very beautiful.

The style of this sentence is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 文章 - noun meaning "text" or "written"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 文体 - noun meaning "writing style" or "literary style"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present, used to indicate formality and courtesy in the Japanese language