一身

• Pinyin: yī shēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = one/whole; 身 = body/self

Meaning

All over one's body; a whole outfit; the entire self. Refers to the whole body or everything one is wearing.

Can describe clothing (一身西装 a suit), physical state (一身汗 covered in sweat), or skills/qualities (一身本领 full of abilities). Often used to emphasize completeness or coverage of the entire body.

Examples

1. 他穿着一身黑色西装，看起来很精神。 He's wearing a black suit and looks very sharp.
2. 跑完步后，她已经是一身汗了。 After running, she was covered in sweat.
3. 这位老师傅有一身好手艺。 This old master craftsman has a whole set of excellent skills.

Usage Guide

Context: clothing, physical state, abilities

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 她一身红装，非常喜庆。(She's dressed all in red, very festive.)
• 干完活，一身泥。(After working, I was covered in mud.)

Don't Say

• 一身的头 (一身 refers to the body — for head use 一头 or 满头)

Origin & History

Compound of 一 (one, whole) and 身 (body). Together they mean 'the whole body' or 'one's entire person.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal