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:

この液体は飽和状態です。

Kono ekitai wa hōwa jōtai desu

This liquid is in a state of saturation.

This liquid is saturated.

• この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
• 液体 - Noun meaning "liquid"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case, "the liquid"
• 飽和状態 - compound noun meaning "state of saturation"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

アップすると体が温まります。

Appu suru to karada ga atatamarimasu

When you send it, your body heats up.

• アップする - warm up, prepare
• と - particle indicating condition or consequence
• 体 - body
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 温まります - warm up

この字体は美しいですね。

Kono jitai wa utsukushii desu ne

This source is beautiful

This source is beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 字体 - noun that means "font" or "style of writing"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• ね - particle at the end of a sentence that indicates confirmation or seeks agreement

この物体は何ですか？

Kono buttai wa nan desu ka?

What is this object?

What is this object?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 物体 - noun meaning "object" or "body"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question

リットルは液体の体積の単位です。

Rittoru wa ekitai no tairyaku no tan'i desu

The liter is the unit of the volume of the liquid.

• リットル - unit of volume measurement
• は - Topic particle
• 液体 - liquid
• の - Possession particle
• 体積 - volume
• の - Possession particle
• 単位 - unidade
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

一体何が起こったのか？

Ittai nani ga okotta no ka?

What happened?

• 一体 - It means "after all" or "in the end."
• 何 - it means "what"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった - "ocorrer" no passado = "happen" in the past
• の - Particle that indicates a question
• か - Particle that indicates a question

主体は自分自身である。

Shutai wa jibun jishin de aru

The subject is himself.

The subject is yourself.

• 主体 (shutai) - subject, individual
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself, yourself
• 自身 (jishin) - yourself, yourself
• である (dearu) - to be

人体は複雑な構造を持っています。

Jintai wa fukuzatsu na kozo o motte imasu

The human body has a complicated structure.

• 人体 (jintai) - Human body
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 複雑 (fukuzatsu) - complex
• な (na) - adjectival particle
• 構造 (kouzou) - structure
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 持っています (motteimasu) - Have, possess

体を鍛えることは健康に良いです。

Karada wo kitaeru koto wa kenkou ni yoi desu

Exercising the body is good for health.

Training your body is good for your health.

• 体を鍛えること - means "exercising the body".
• は - topic particle.
• 健康に - means "for health".
• 良いです - means "it's good".

体力が必要です。

Tairyoku ga hitsuyou desu

Physical energy is required.

I need physical strength.

• 体力 - means "physical strength" or "bodily energy".
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate a polite statement.