(にくたい)

にくたい
noun
physical body; flesh
1. physical body, flesh
The physical, material body as opposed to the mind or spirit. Emphasizes the corporeal, fleshy aspect of the body. Often used in philosophical, literary, or fitness contexts.
肉体(にくたい)(きた)える。
Train the body.
肉体(にくたい)労働(ろうどう)精神的(せいしんてき)にもきつい。
Physical labor is mentally demanding as well.
精神(せいしん)肉体(にくたい)のバランスを(たも)つことが健康(けんこう)秘訣(ひけつ)だ。
Maintaining a balance between mind and body is the secret to good health.

USAGE NOTE:
More literary and emphatic than (からだ). While (からだ) is the everyday word for body, 肉体(にくたい) stresses the physical, material aspect — flesh and muscle — often in contrast with 精神(せいしん) (mind/spirit). Common in philosophical discussions, literature, and fitness contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 肉体(にくたい)(きた)える (train one's body)
  • 肉体(にくたい)労働(ろうどう) (physical labor)
  • 肉体(にくたい)(てき) (physical, bodily)
  • 肉体(にくたい)() (physical beauty)
  • 肉体(にくたい)改造(かいぞう) (body transformation)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (からだ): body (everyday, general-purpose)
  • 身体(しんたい): body (formal, used in official/medical contexts)