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:

私の身体は健康です。

Watashi no karada wa kenkou desu

My body is healthy.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 身体 - noun meaning "body" in Japanese
• は - Topic marker that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "o corpo"
• 健康 - adjective meaning "health" or "healthy" in Japanese
• です - verb to be in the present, indicating "the body is healthy"

私の体格は小さいです。

Watashi no taikaku wa chiisai desu

My physique is small.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle indicating possession or relationship between two elements
• 体格 - noun meaning "physical constitution"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 小さい - Adjective that means "small"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

肉体は健康の鍵です。

Nikutai wa kenkou no kagi desu

The body is the key to health.

• 肉体 - Physical body
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• の - Possessive particle
• 鍵 - key
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

臍は人体の中心に位置する。

Sai wa jintai no chūshin ni ichi suru

The navel is located in the center of the human body.

• 臍 (navel) - indicates the part of the human body that is the central point of the abdomen.
• 人体 (corpo humano) - refers to the set of organs, tissues, and systems that make up the human body
• 中心 (centro) - indicates the point or place that is in the middle or at the center of something.
• 位置する (estar localizado) - indicates the position or location of something

蛋白質は体に必要な栄養素です。

Danhakushitsu wa karada ni hitsuyou na eiyousu desu

Protein is an essential nutrient for the body.

Protein is a necessary nutrient for the body.

• 蛋白質 (tanpaku shitsu) - Protein
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 体 (karada) - body
• に (ni) - Destination particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - Necessary
• な (na) - adjective particle
• 栄養素 (eiyousou) - Nutrient
• です (desu) - polite way of being

観光は日本の文化を体験する素晴らしい方法です。

Kankou wa Nihon no bunka o taiken suru subarashii houhou desu

Tourism is a great way to experience Japanese culture.

• 観光 - Tourism
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possessive particle
• 文化 - culture
• を - direct object particle
• 体験する - to experiment
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• 方法 - method
• です - be (linking verb)