Today’s word of the day is 身 (shēn), which is a noun that means body. Let’s practice by making different words, phrases, and sentences with 身 (shēn).
1. 身份 (shēn fèn) Identity
The first word is 身份 (shēn fèn) which is a noun that means identity. 身 means body, and 份 (fèn) means portion. A way of using it in a sentence is: 你有没有带身份证? (Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu dài shēnfèn zhèng?) Did you bring your identity card?
In China, the legal age to enter a nightclub is 18 and if you are young-looking, you may have to prove your age. That’s why before you head to the nightclub with your friend, remember to ask him or her this question.
2. 身高 (shēn gāo) Height
Another word we can create with 身 (shēn) is 身高 (shēn gāo). This is a noun that means height. Let’s again look at each character of this word, 身 means body, and 高 means tall, so it is the height of one’s body.
A way of using it in a sentence is 请说出你的身高。(Qǐng shuō chū nǐ de shēngāo.) Please state your height. You may hear this when you go and see a doctor for a health check.
3. 身材 (shēn cái) Body figure
Finally, we can create the word 身材 (shēn cái) which is a noun that means body figure. The 材 here means figure, so how skinny or fat you are. A way of using it in a sentence is 你的身材真好! (Nǐ de shēncái zhēn hǎo) You have a great figure! Use this when you want to give someone a big compliment.