body

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is しん, and the kun reading is み. It has 7 strokes and relates to the body or the self.
• Basic usage: 身 is read み, and 身体 is read しんたい.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 身 / 身体
  • 身 means body or self and is read み. It refers to the body or self and appears in expressions such as 身を守る.
  • 冷たい風から身を守るため上着を着ました。 means “I put on a coat to protect myself from the cold wind.”
  • 身体 means body or physical condition and is read しんたい. It refers more directly to the physical body and its condition.
  • 適度な運動は身体の調子を整える。 means “Moderate exercise helps keep the body in good condition.”