Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Body" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "body", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
身体
しんたい (shintai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
体温
たいおん (taion)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "body" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 身体 and 体温.
In Japanese, 身体 (しんたい (shintai)) is typically associated with "body (formal/medical)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal or medical term for 'body,' often used in contexts of health, physical condition, or examination.
On the other hand, 体温 (たいおん (taion)) maps to "body temperature" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the temperature of a living body. Often measured with a thermometer, especially when feeling unwell.. A literal translation of "body" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "身体"
運動は身体に良いです。
Exercise is good for the body.
Bilingual Context for "体温"
熱があるので、体温を測ってください。
You have a fever, so please take your body temperature.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "運動は ＿＿＿ に良いです。" (Meaning: "Exercise is good for the body.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "身体" fits here because it means "body (formal/medical)" in the context of: "Exercise is good for the body.". "体温" represents "body temperature".