1.
to brace oneself, to prepare oneself (physically)
To take a defensive or ready posture in preparation for something. Often used in martial arts or physical confrontation contexts.
敵に対して身構える
to brace oneself against an enemy
拳を握って身構えた。
He clenched his fists and braced himself.
地震が来ると思って身構えたが、何も起きなかった。
I braced myself thinking an earthquake was coming, but nothing happened.
2.
to be on guard, to tense up (psychologically)
To mentally prepare for something or to become tense/defensive in anticipation. Can imply excessive caution.
そんなに身構えないで。
Don't be so tense/on guard.
初対面の人と話すとき、つい身構えてしまう。
When talking to someone for the first time, I tend to tense up.
彼女は面接で身構えすぎて、緊張が伝わってしまった。
She was too tense in the interview, and her nervousness showed.
FORMATION: Compound of 身 (body) + 構える (to set up, take a stance).
TRANSITIVITY: Intransitive (自動詞).
CONJUGATION: Ichidan verb: 身構えない, 身構えます, 身構えて.
USAGE: Often used in the negative sense of being too tense or overly defensive. 身構えすぎる (to be too on guard) is a common pattern.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身構える必要はない (no need to be on guard)
- 身構えすぎる (to be too tense/defensive)
- ～に対して身構える (to brace against ~)
RELATED WORDS:
- 構える (to take a stance - base verb)
- 警戒する (to be on guard - more formal)
- 緊張する (to be nervous/tense)