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March 24, 2026
身体(身體)shēntǐ(shen1ti3)
身体 (shēntǐ) refers to the human body or physical health. It is commonly used in both conversational and formal contexts when discussing health-related topics or describing physical conditions. The term emphasizes the physical aspect of being, often in relation to health and well-being.
Frequency#678DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of physical health is deeply tied to traditional beliefs, such as the importance of balance in diet and lifestyle for maintaining a healthy body. Phrases like '身体是革命的本钱' (the body is the capital of revolution) emphasize the value of health.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'body' made of 'shen' (sounds like 'shin') and 'ti' (sounds like 'tea'). Picture yourself sipping tea while thinking about your shin, which represents the body part. This imagery connects the pronunciation to the meaning of the physical body.
Meanings of 身体
shēntǐ(shen1ti3)
1(human) body
2health
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About 身体
身体Simplified
身體Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#678Frequency Rank
具Measure Word
HSK 2.0L2HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL1HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 身体
Podcast: 身体
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AI Study Notes for 身体
Quick Contrast
身体 (shēntǐ) vs 身 (shēn): 身体 emphasizes the whole body or physical health, while 身 refers more to the body in a more general or abstract sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large 'body' made of 'shen' (sounds like 'shin') and 'ti' (sounds like 'tea'). Picture yourself sipping tea while thinking about your shin, which represents the body part. This imagery connects the pronunciation to the meaning of the physical body.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; it should always be pronounced with the first tone for 'shen' and the third tone for 'ti.' Common mistakes include using '身体' in non-physical contexts—remember it is specifically about the body or health. Collocations include phrases like '身体健康' (shēntǐ jiànkāng) meaning 'healthy body.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 2 word, 身体 connects to other health-related terms such as '健康' (jiànkāng, health) and '病' (bìng, illness). Focus on recognizing its use in sentences about health and well-being, as these are common in everyday conversation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of physical health is deeply tied to traditional beliefs, such as the importance of balance in diet and lifestyle for maintaining a healthy body. Phrases like '身体是革命的本钱' (the body is the capital of revolution) emphasize the value of health.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 身体 with 体, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我有一个体' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè tǐ) instead of '我有一个身体' (Wǒ yǒu yīgè shēntǐ) is incorrect; use 身体 to refer to the whole body.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 身体
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Grammar Patterns of 身体
身体 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The physical benefits of exercise can be divided into three factors.
10
3个男人挺直身体，站着等候。
3 3 gè nán rén tǐng zhí shēn， tǐ ， zhàn zháo。
The three men straightened and stood waiting.
Cultural Notes for 身体
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of physical health is deeply tied to traditional beliefs, such as the importance of balance in diet and lifestyle for maintaining a healthy body. Phrases like '身体是革命的本钱' (the body is the capital of revolution) emphasize the value of health.
Frequently Asked Questions about 身体
Yes, 身体 can be used to inquire about someone's health, for example, '你的身体好吗?' (Nǐ de shēntǐ hǎo ma? - How is your body/health?)
Yes, it can be used in both informal and formal contexts, such as in medical settings or health discussions.
身体 specifically refers to the whole body and health, while 体 (tǐ) can refer more generally to the body or a body part.
