Translation and Meaning of: 身長 - shinchou

If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, you may have come across the word 身長[しんちょう]. It is common in everyday conversations and appears in various contexts, from physical descriptions to medical forms. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical use, and some curiosities that can help you memorize it more easily.

In addition to understanding the literal translation, it is important to know how the Japanese perceive this word in everyday life. Does it have specific cultural nuances? How is it written in kanji and why were these characters chosen? Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide clear and precise answers for those who want to truly learn Japanese, without inventions or distorted information.

Meaning and usage of 身長[しんちょう]

The word 身長[しんちょう] means "height" in the physical sense, referring to the vertical measurement of a person. It is composed of the kanjis 身 (body) and 長 (long/length), which together form a direct idea: the length of the body. Unlike in Portuguese, where "altura" can have other meanings (such as in "height of summer"), in Japanese it is used almost exclusively for human dimensions.

Its use is common in both formal and informal situations. For example, when filling out a medical form or describing someone, Japanese people naturally use 身長. Phrases like "あなたの身長は？" (What is your height?) are common, especially in contexts where personal information is needed. It is worth noting that, although it is a simple word, its pronunciation (しんちょう) can confuse beginners by mixing sounds like "shin" and "chou".

Origin and writing of kanjis

The combination of the kanjis 身 and 長 is not random. The first, 身, represents the physical body and appears in other words like 身体[しんたい] (body) or 身分[みぶん] (social status). 長, on the other hand, carries the idea of extension and is used in terms such as 長さ[ながさ] (length) and 長所[ちょうしょ] (strength). This duo reflects well the concept of measuring a person's vertical dimension.

It is interesting to note that although 身長 is the most standard form, in some dialects or informal contexts, Japanese people may use simpler expressions like 背[せ] (back/height). However, in documents or situations that require precision, 身長 prevails. This distinction is useful for students who want to avoid gaffes when describing physical characteristics in Japanese.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to memorize 身長 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. Think of "measuring the body" (身) "from the top to the ground" (長). Another tip is to remember that it appears in everyday scenes, such as in animes or medical dramas, where characters often discuss height. Series like "Attack on Titan" (進撃の巨人), with its giants, or even scenes from doctor's offices reinforce this vocabulary.

Culturally, height is a relevant topic in Japan, especially in discussions about childhood growth or beauty standards. Official data from the Japanese government, for example, uses 身長 in public health statistics. Knowing this not only aids in learning the term but also provides a glimpse into how Japanese society deals with body measurements in daily life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 背丈 (seitake) - Body height, generally referring to the height of the upper body.
• 身丈 (mitake) - Total body height, measurement from head to feet.
• 身の丈 (mi no take) - Body height, similar to 身丈, but may emphasize the body's proportion.
• 身長さ (shinchosu) - Height, usually used in specific measurement contexts.
• 身長度 (shinchōdo) - Degrees of height emphasize the measurement of height in units.
• 身長寸 (shinchōsun) - Height dimension refers to an approximate measurement of height.
• 身長尺 (shinchōshaku) - Use of a ruler or scale to measure heights, specifically body height.
• 身長尺寸 (shinchōshinchun) - Dimensions of height, emphasizing adaptations for different contexts of use.
• 身長尺度 (shinchōshaku) - Height scales refer to systems or standards for measuring height.
• 身長尺寸度 (shinchōshinchidō) - Units of height measurement, emphasizing precision in height measurement.

身長

Romaji: shinchou
Kana: しんちょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: height (body); stature

Meaning in English: height (of body);stature

Definition: The length from the top of a person's head to their toes.

Example Sentences - (身長) shinchou

See below some example sentences:

私の弟は長大な身長があります。

Watashi no otōto wa chōdai na shinchō ga arimasu

My brother has a tall height.

My brother has a long height.

• 私の弟 - "My brother"
• は - Topic particle
• 長大な - "Tall, of great stature"
• 身長 - "Body height"
• が - Subject particle
• あります - "Tem"

私の身長は一メートル六十センチです。

Watashi no shinchou wa ichi meetoru rokujuu senchi desu

My height is 1 meter and 60 centimeters.

My height is 60 cm per meter.

• 私の身長は - "Watashi no shinchou wa" means "My height is"
• 一メートル - "Ichi meetoru" means "One meter"
• 六十センチ - "Rokujuu senchi" means "Sixty centimeters"
• です - "Desu" is a particle that indicates the conclusion of the sentence and can be translated as "is" or "are"