1.
one's relatives; family members
Close family members and relatives. Broader than immediate family but implies a personal, blood-related connection.
身内だけの式にした。
We held a ceremony for family only.
身内に医者がいると心強い。
It's reassuring to have a doctor in the family.
急な知らせを受けて、身内が病院に駆けつけた。
After receiving the sudden news, family members rushed to the hospital.
2.
inner circle; one's own people
People within the same group, organization, or faction. Used to distinguish insiders from outsiders.
身内の不祥事だ。
It's a scandal within our own ranks.
身内に甘いと批判された。
They were criticized for being lenient with their own people.
警察が身内の不正を調査するのは難しいと言われている。
It is said to be difficult for the police to investigate wrongdoing within their own ranks.
Sense 1 refers to blood relatives and close family. Sense 2 extends to organizational insiders, often used in news reporting about internal misconduct.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身内だけ (family only)
- 身内に甘い (lenient with one's own people)
- 身内の不祥事 (scandal within the group)
- 身内を集める (gather one's relatives)
In sense 2, 身内 often carries a critical nuance, implying favoritism or cover-ups within a group.