1.
one's height; body stature
A person's physical height or body size.
身の丈ほどの大きな荷物を抱えていた。
He was carrying a package as tall as himself.
身の丈を超えるほどの雪が積もった。
Snow piled up higher than a person's height.
彼は身の丈ほどもある刀を背負っていた。
He was carrying a sword on his back that was as long as he was tall.
2.
one's means; one's capacity; what is within one's reach
One's actual ability, financial means, or social standing. Used figuratively to talk about living or acting within one's realistic limits.
身の丈に合った生活をする。
To live within one's means.
身の丈に合わない買い物はしないようにしている。
I try not to make purchases beyond my means.
無理をせず、身の丈に合った目標を立てることが大切だ。
It's important to set realistic goals that match your capacity rather than overextending yourself.
Compound of 身 (body) + の (possessive) + 丈 (height, length). The figurative sense 2 is very common in everyday conversation and advice.
The expression 身の丈に合った (suited to one's means/capacity) is one of the most frequently used collocations, often appearing in financial advice, lifestyle discussions, and self-improvement contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身の丈に合った (suited to one's means)
- 身の丈に合わない (beyond one's means)
- 身の丈を知る (to know one's limits)
- 身の丈ほどの (as tall/big as a person)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 身長: height (physical measurement, more precise)
- 分相応: befitting one's station (more formal, literary)