noun HSK 2
Traditional 身體
body · health · physique
Meaning
身体 refers to the physical body or one's state of health. It's one of the most fundamental words in Chinese for discussing physical wellness, fitness, or bodily conditions. The word combines 身 (body/self) and 体 (body/form) to emphasize the complete physical being.
Usage
Extremely common in everyday conversation, especially when asking about someone's health (身体好吗？). Often used in the phrase 身体健康 (good health) as a blessing or wish. More formal than colloquial terms like 身子. Used by all age groups and in both spoken and written contexts.
Examples
- 01你最近身体怎么样？?How has your health been recently?
- 02多运动对身体有好处。.More exercise is good for the body.
Characters
Common collocations
- 身体健康good health
- 身体不舒服to feel unwell
- 锻炼身体to exercise, work out
- 保重身体to take care of one's health
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters originally depicted the human body. 身 shows a pregnant woman (representing life/body), while 体 (體) originally showed bones and flesh, emphasizing the physical structure.