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:

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.