身(み)の上話(うえばなし)

みのうえばなし
noun
life story; tale of one's circumstances
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(み)の上話(うえばなし)を聞(き)かせてくれた。
They told me their life story.
お酒(さけ)を飲(の)みながら身(み)の上話(うえばなし)をする。
To share one's life story over drinks.
初対面(しょたいめん)の人(ひと)に身(み)の上話(うえばなし)をするのは少(すこ)し重(おも)いかもしれない。
It might be a bit heavy to share your life story with someone you've just met.

身(み)の上話(うえばなし) 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(み)の上(うえ) (one's circumstances, fortune) + 話(はなし) (story, talk).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 身(み)の上話(うえばなし)をする: to tell one's life story
  • 身(み)の上話(うえばなし)を聞(き)く: to listen to someone's life story
  • 身(み)の上話(うえばなし)を聞(き)かせる: to share one's life story (with someone)

NUANCE:
Unlike a neutral 自己紹介(じこしょうかい) (self-introduction), 身(み)の上話(うえばなし) implies a more intimate, sometimes emotional account. It may involve past difficulties, family background, or personal struggles.

RELATED:

  • 身(み)の上(うえ)相談(そうだん): consultation about personal problems
  • 身(み)の上(うえ): one's circumstances or fortune
general
Added 2026.3.24 19:05 · Revised 2026.4.5 9:56
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