1. Kanji Breakdown: 身
This kanji represents a core concept of one's physical being and identity.
Meaning: Body, oneself, identity, main part.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): シン (shin)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): み (mi)
The kanji is a pictograph (象形文字). Its original form depicted a pregnant woman's profile, emphasizing the belly. This powerful image of the body as the vessel for life evolved to mean "body" in a general sense, and by extension, one's "self" or "identity."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "身" has 7 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 7
The left vertical stroke with a hook.
The top horizontal stroke.
The left vertical stroke.
The right vertical stroke.
The middle horizontal stroke.
The bottom horizontal stroke.
The final left-falling stroke (the diagonal slash).
Key Writing Tips:
Write from top to bottom.
The character should be slightly narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, giving it a stable, "bodily" presence.
The final diagonal stroke (stroke 7) is crucial and should sweep down to the left, anchoring the character.
Pay attention to the four horizontal strokes; they should be roughly parallel and evenly spaced.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "身" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
身 (み, mi)
Meaning: Body, oneself.
Example: 寒さで身が震えた。
Romaji: Samusa de mi ga furueta.
English: My body shivered from the cold.
身体 (しんたい, shintai)
Meaning: Body, physical frame (a more formal word for the physical body).
Example: 身体を動かすことが好きだ。
Romaji: Shintai o ugokasu koto ga suki da.
English: I like moving my body (exercising).
独身 (どくしん, dokushin)
Meaning: Single, unmarried.
Example: 彼はまだ独身です。
Romaji: Kare wa mada dokushin desu.
English: He is still single.
出身 (しゅっしん, shusshin)
Meaning: Hometown, origin, where one is from.
Example: あなたの出身はどこですか。
Romaji: Anata no shusshin wa doko desu ka.
English: Where are you from?
身分 (みぶん, mibun)
Meaning: Social status, identity.
Example: 身分証明書を見せてください。
Romaji: Mibun shōmeisho o misete kudasai.
English: Please show me your identification card.
中身 (なかみ, nakami)
Meaning: Contents, interior, substance.
Example: 箱の中身は何ですか。
Romaji: Hako no nakami wa nan desu ka.
English: What are the contents of the box?
Summary
Kanji: 身
Core Meaning: Body, Oneself, Identity.
Readings: On'yomi シン (shin), Kun'yomi み (mi)
Stroke Order: 7 strokes. Focus on its distinctive profile and the final diagonal stroke.
This kanji is essential for talking about oneself, one's body, and one's background. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this deeply personal character.