身構える

• 読み: みがまえる
• ローマ字: migamaeru
• 漢字の分解: 身 (shin/mi) — body, oneself; 構 (kō/kama) — stance, structure, set up
• 発音: /mi.ɡa.ma.e.ɾɯ/

意味

To brace oneself; to assume a defensive or ready stance; to be on guard against what is coming.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb combining 身 (body, oneself) and 構える (to set up, to take a stance). The compound describes the act of readying one's body and mind in anticipation of something demanding or threatening. It is used both literally — a martial artist adopting a fighting stance — and figuratively — mentally steeling oneself for a difficult conversation or challenging event.

例文

1. 大型台風接近のニュースに、住民たちは身構えた。
2. 剣士は相手の動きを見極めようと、静かに身構えた。
3. 厳しい質問が来ると予想した社長は、記者会見に身構えて臨んだ。

使い方ガイド

場面: martial arts, sports, press conferences, natural disasters

トーン: tense

起源と歴史

Compound of 身 (mi — body, oneself) and 構える (kamaeru — to set up a posture or stance). The body becoming a prepared structure conveys readiness for confrontation or challenge.

文化的背景

時代: Modern

世代: All ages

社会的背景: All classes