身(み)の程(ほど)

みのほど
noun
one's place; one's station
societyidiom
1. one's place; one's station; one's standing; one's limits
One's social position, abilities, or means. Often used in expressions about knowing one's limits or acting within one's means.
身(み)の程(ほど)を知(し)れ。
Know your place.
身(み)の程(ほど)をわきまえた行動(こうどう)をするべきだ。
You should act in accordance with your station.
身(み)の程(ほど)知(し)らずにも社長(しゃちょう)に意見(いけん)してしまったが、意外(いがい)にも受(う)け入(い)れてもらえた。
I had the audacity to offer my opinion to the CEO, but surprisingly it was accepted.

Usage

Most commonly appears in set expressions. 身(み)の程(ほど)を知(し)る (to know one's place) and 身(み)の程(ほど)知(し)らず (not knowing one's place) are the most frequent. Can sound harsh or old-fashioned when used to tell someone to stay in their lane.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 分際(ぶんざい): one's status/position — harsher, used to put someone down
  • 身分(みぶん): social standing, status — more neutral, refers to official rank or position

Related Words

Compare: 身分(みぶん) (social standing, status)
general
Added 2026.3.21 10:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
18000/18288_minohodo