Core Meaning
The character 身 primarily means "body" or "torso," referring to the physical human body. It is often used in contexts related to health, physical condition, or describing someone's stature.
Extended Meanings
Besides the literal body, 身 can also refer to one's social status or identity, such as 身分 (shēnfèn), meaning "status" or "position." This usage is common in formal or official contexts.
Common Collocations
- 身体 (shēntǐ): body, health — used when talking about physical health.
- 身高 (shēngāo): height — used to describe how tall someone is.
- 身份 (shēnfèn): identity, status — used in social or professional contexts.
Usage Notes
When using 身 to talk about the body, it often appears in compound words rather than alone. For social status, 身分 is the standard term. Avoid confusing 身 with 体 (tǐ), which also means body but is more general and often used in scientific or anatomical contexts.
Register and Tone
身 is neutral and common in both spoken and written Chinese. When referring to social status, it tends to appear in more formal or written language.