1.
life story; tale of one's circumstances; personal history
A story about one's life, background, or personal circumstances. Often implies hardship, misfortune, or an emotional account of one's experiences.
身の上話 is a story about one's personal background, life circumstances, or experiences. It often carries a nuance of hardship or emotional content.
Etymology
Compound of 身の上 (one's circumstances, fortune) + 話 (story, talk).
Common collocations
- 身の上話をする: to tell one's life story
- 身の上話を聞く: to listen to someone's life story
- 身の上話を聞かせる: to share one's life story (with someone)
Usage
Unlike a neutral 自己紹介 (self-introduction), 身の上話 implies a more intimate, sometimes emotional account. It may involve past difficulties, family background, or personal struggles.