身 (shēn) - body & oneself
身 · shēn
body;
oneself;
personally;
life;
in person;
the main part of something.
bodyoneselfpersonally
Usage highlights
bodypersonallyoneselfpregnantmain partlife
Usage & contexts
Examples
- He exercises to keep his body healthy (身体健康).
- I will go in person (亲自去).
- This is the main part of the ship (船身).
- She is pregnant (怀孕了).
Collocations
- body(身体)
- personally(亲身)
- oneself(自身)
- pregnant(怀孕)
- main part(主体部分)
- life(一生)
Idioms
- To devote oneself entirely(以身作则)
- To risk one's life(奋不顾身)
- To feel deeply grateful(感同身受)
- To have a narrow escape(九死一生)
- To stand out from the crowd(出类拔萃)
Cultural background
FAQ- In ancient China, the concept of 'body' was closely linked to filial piety, as one's body was considered a gift from parents and should not be harmed.
- The character originally depicted a pregnant woman, emphasizing the importance of reproduction and family continuity.
- In Confucianism, self-cultivation (修身) is the foundation for regulating family, governing state, and bringing peace to the world.