肢体

• Pinyin: zhī tǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 肢 = 月 (flesh radical) + 支 (branch — limbs branching from body); 体 = 人 + 本 (body)

Meaning

Limbs; the arms and legs of the human body. Also refers to bodily movement and physical expression.

Used in medical, performance, and communication contexts. 肢体语言 (body language) is extremely common. 肢体动作 (physical movements) appears in dance and drama. 肢体冲突 (physical altercation) is used in news reports.

Examples

1. 医生检查了病人的肢体反应，确认神经功能正常。 The doctor checked the patient’s limb responses and confirmed normal nerve function.
2. 演员通过丰富的肢体语言传达角色的内心世界。 The actor used expressive body language to convey the character’s inner world.
3. 双方发生肢体冲突，最终惊动了警方介入调解。 The two sides got into a physical altercation, and it ultimately brought in the police to mediate.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, performance, communication

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 良好的肢体语言能增强演讲的感染力和说服力。(Good body language can enhance the impact and persuasiveness of a speech.)
• 康复训练帮助患者逐步恢复肢体的正常功能。(Rehabilitation training helps patients gradually restore normal limb function.)

Don't Say

• 我的肢体很累 — unusual phrasing; for tired limbs, use 四肢酸痛 or 胳膊腿都累了

Origin & History

肢 (limb) + 体 (body) — the limbs as part of the body

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal