Translation and Meaning of: 身体 - karada

The Japanese word 身体[からだ] is essential for anyone learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It represents a fundamental concept in daily life and communication, appearing in various everyday situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is used in the Japanese context. In addition, we will look at tips for memorizing this word and some curiosities that can facilitate your learning.

Meaning and usage of 身体[からだ]

身体 [からだ] is a Japanese word that means "body." It is used to refer to the physical body of a person or animal, encompassing aspects such as health, movement, and structure. Unlike other similar words, such as 体 [からだ] (which also means "body"), 身体 carries a more formal and comprehensive tone, often associated with well-being and physical condition.

In Japan, this word appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to medical and self-help texts. For example, it is common to hear expressions like 身体を大切に[からだをたいせつに] ("take care of your body") in health campaigns. Its use reinforces the importance that Japanese culture places on the balance between mind and body.

Origin and writing in kanji

The word 身体 is composed of two kanjis: 身 (body, oneself) and 体 (body, form). Together, they reinforce the idea of a complete body, both in a physical and existential sense. The reading からだ is kun'yomi, which means the native Japanese pronunciation, while the combination of the kanjis follows the logic of meaning.

It is worth noting that, although 体 [からだ] is more common in everyday life, 身体 is often used in more formal or technical contexts. This subtle difference can be helpful for students who want to enhance their vocabulary and understand nuances of the Japanese language.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 身体[からだ] is to associate it with practical situations, such as discussing health or physical exercises. For example, when practicing sports or stretching, you can mentally repeat the word to reinforce it. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like 身体に気をつけて[からだにきをつけて] ("take care of your body").

Interestingly, the kanji 体 is often used in words related to physical activities, such as 体育[たいいく] ("physical education"). In contrast, 身体 appears more in contexts involving care and well-being. This distinction can help understand when each term is more appropriate.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 体 (karada) - body
• 肉体 (nikutai) - Physical body usually refers to flesh.
• ボディ (bodi) - Body, often used in more informal contexts or in the West
• フィジカル (fizikaru) - Physical, related to characteristics and physical condition

身体

Romaji: karada
Kana: からだ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: the body

Meaning in English: the body

Definition: The body and the appearance of a person or animal seen from the outside.

Example Sentences - (身体) karada

See below some example sentences:

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

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)

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"