1.
upper body, upper torso
The part of the body above the waist, including the chest, back, and arms. Commonly used in exercise, sports, and physical descriptions.
上体を起こす。
To raise one's upper body.
上体を前に倒す。
To bend the upper body forward.
上体をひねるストレッチをした。
I did a stretch where I twisted my upper body.
ボクシングでは上体の動きがとても大切だ。
In boxing, upper body movement is very important.
上体 refers to the upper part of the body from the waist up, including the chest, back, shoulders, and arms. It appears most often in fitness, sports, and physical therapy contexts where specific movements of the torso are described, and is more technical than the near-synonym 上半身.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 上体を起こす (to raise one's upper body)
- 上体を倒す (to bend the upper body forward)
- 上体をひねる (to twist the upper body)
- 上体を反らす (to arch the upper body backward)
- 上体起こし (sit-ups)
USAGE:
- Commonly used in exercise instructions and sports commentary
- Focuses on the torso as a unit that moves, bends, or rotates
- 上半身 is a broader anatomical term; 上体 emphasizes the torso in motion
RELATED WORDS:
- 上半身 (upper half of the body — broader synonym)
- 下半身 (lower body)
- 全身 (whole body)