身上

• Pinyin: shēn shang
• Hanzi breakdown: 身 = pictograph of a person with a prominent belly, meaning body; 上 = on/upon

Meaning

On one's body; on one's person. Refers to what is physically on someone.

Used to describe things that are on or with a person physically — clothing, accessories, injuries, money carried, or personal qualities. Very common in daily conversation. Can also be used figuratively to mean 'about someone' regarding characteristics or responsibilities.

Examples

1. 他身上有多少钱？ How much money does he have on him?
2. 你身上穿的衣服很好看。 The clothes you're wearing look very nice.
3. 她身上有一股香味。 She has a nice fragrance on her.

Usage Guide

Context: body, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你身上带钱了吗？(Do you have money on you?)
• 他身上的衣服湿了。(The clothes on him are wet.)

Don't Say

• 在我的身上面。(Redundant — 身上 already includes the meaning of 'on'; don't add 面 after it)

Origin & History

A compound of 身 (body) and 上 (on/upon), literally 'on the body.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal