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:

体制を整える必要がある。

Taisei wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to establish a system.

It is necessary to prepare the system.

• 体制 - means "system" or "structure" in Japanese.
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that "体制" is the object of the sentence.
• 整える - verb that means "adjust" or "organize" in Japanese.
• 必要 - Adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese.
• が - Subject particle in Japanese, indicating that "必要" is the subject of the sentence.
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have" in Japanese, indicating that the action of "整える" is necessary.

体験は人生の宝物です。

Taiken wa jinsei no takaramono desu

Experiences are treasures of life.

Experience is a treasure of life.

• 体験 (taiken) - experience
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 宝物 (takaramono) - treasure
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

体重を量る。

taijuu wo hakaru

Measure body weight.

Weigh weight.

• 体重 - "body weight" in Japanese.
• を - a grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 量る - a verb that means "to measure" or "to weigh" in Japanese.

内臓は身体の重要な部分です。

Naizou wa shintai no juuyou na bubun desu

Internal organs are an important part of the body.

Internal organs are important parts of the body.

• 内臓 - internal organs
• は - Topic particle
• 身体 - body
• の - Possession particle
• 重要な - important
• 部分 - part
• です - é (verb to be in the polite form)

器官は体内の重要な役割を果たしています。

Kikan wa tainai no juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashite imasu

Organs play an important role in the body.

Organs play an important role in the body.

• 器官 (Kikan) - organs
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体内 (Tainai) - inside the body
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 重要な (juuyouna) - important
• 役割 (yakuwari) - Paper, function
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 果たしています (hatashiteimasu) - performing

大体の計画は立てましたか？

Daitai no keikaku wa tatemasu ka?

Did you make an approximate plan?

Did you make a difficult plan?

• 大体 - means "in general" or "approximately".
• の - possessive particle.
• 計画 - means "plan" or "project".
• は - topic particle.
• 立てましたか - verb "立てる" in the affirmative past tense, which means "to make" or "to create".
• ？ - question mark.

天体観測が大好きです。

Tentaikansoku ga daisuki desu

I love observing celestial bodies.

I love astronomical observations.

• 天体観測 - Observing celestial bodies
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 大好き - Much loved, adored
• です - Particle indicating the end of a sentence and formality

彼女の体付きはスリムで美しいです。

Kanojo no karada tsuki wa surimu de utsukushii desu

Your body is slim and beautiful.

• 彼女 - She
• の - Possessive particle
• 体付き - body shape
• は - Topic particle
• スリム - lean
• で - connecting particle
• 美しい - pretty
• です - Completion particle

彼女は華奢な体型をしています。

Kanojo wa kyasha na taikei o shiteimasu

She has a slender body.

She has a delicate figure.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 華奢な - delicate
• 体型 - body
• を - direct object particle
• しています - have

微量の栄養素が体に必要です。

Biryou no eiyousu ga karada ni hitsuyou desu

A small amount of nutrients is required for the body.

• 微量 - It means "small amount" in Japanese.
• の - possession particle in Japanese.
• 栄養素 - It means "nutrient" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 体 - means "body" in Japanese.
• に - destination particle in Japanese.
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese.
• です - verb to be in Japanese.