1.
to take shelter with; to stay with; to go to for refuge
To go to live with or take refuge with someone, typically a relative or trusted person, when one has nowhere else to go.
親戚のもとに身を寄せる。
To stay with relatives.
火事のあと、叔母の家に身を寄せた。
After the fire, I took shelter at my aunt's house.
戦争で故郷を離れ、知人のもとに身を寄せていた。
Having left my hometown due to the war, I was staying with an acquaintance.
Literally "to bring one's body close." This expression means to go live with someone or take refuge with them, typically during difficult circumstances.
PATTERNS:
- 〜のもとに身を寄せる: to take shelter with ~
- 〜に身を寄せる: to stay with ~
- 〜の家に身を寄せる: to stay at ~'s house
TYPICAL CONTEXTS:
- After losing one's home (火事, 災害)
- During 戦争 (war) or conflict
- After personal hardship (離婚, job loss)
- During illness or old age
NUANCE:
Implies dependence on another's hospitality or protection. The person is in a vulnerable position and has limited options. Not used for casual visits or staying with friends for fun.
RELATED EXPRESSIONS:
- 身を寄せ合う: to huddle together (mutual, often for warmth or comfort)
- 頼る: to rely on (more general)
- 身を隠す: to go into hiding