1.
body, flesh
The physical body or its flesh.
身を守る。
To protect oneself.
寒くて身が震えた。
My body shivered from the cold.
身を乗り出して話を聞いた。
I leaned forward to listen.
2.
oneself, one's position
One's own person or situation.
身に付ける。
To wear; to acquire (a skill).
Common expression with two meanings
身の回りの物を片付けた。
I tidied up my personal belongings.
彼は身を引いて静かに暮らしている。
He has withdrawn and is living quietly.
3.
meat, flesh (of fish/fruit)
The edible part of fish or fruit.
魚の身をほぐす。
To flake the fish meat.
この魚は身が白い。
This fish has white flesh.
みかんの皮をむいて身を食べた。
I peeled the mandarin and ate the flesh.
身 has multiple meanings related to body and self.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 身に付ける (to wear; to acquire skill)
- 身に覚えがある (to have experience of)
- 身を守る (to protect oneself)
- 身を引く (to step aside, withdraw)
- 身の程 (one's station in life)
- 身の回り (one's surroundings/belongings)
COMPOUND WORDS:
- 身体/身体: body
- 身分: social status
- 身元: identity