1.
to be within one's means; to suit one's station; to be appropriate for one's level
To match or be proportionate to one's actual abilities, income, or social standing. Literally "to fit one's body height," used to encourage living or acting in a way that matches one's real capabilities rather than overreaching.
身の丈に合った生活をする。
To live within one's means.
身の丈に合った目標を立てることが大切だ。
It is important to set goals that match your actual capabilities.
無理をせず、身の丈に合った家を買うことにした。
Rather than overextending ourselves, we decided to buy a house within our means.
USAGE:
身の丈に合う is often used in discussions about spending, lifestyle choices, and goal-setting. It carries a positive nuance of practical wisdom and self-awareness, not self-limitation. The expression 身の丈 literally means "one's body height" but figuratively refers to one's actual position or capacity.
PATTERNS:
- 身の丈に合った＋noun (a ... that suits one's station)
- 身の丈に合わない (beyond one's means — negative form)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 身の丈に合った生活 (a lifestyle within one's means)
- 身の丈に合った経営 (management appropriate to one's scale)
- 身の丈に合わない買い物 (a purchase beyond one's means)
SIMILAR WORDS:
分相応 means "befitting one's status" and is more formal. 身の丈に合う is more conversational and commonly used in everyday advice.