渾身

• Reading: こんしん
• Romaji: konshin
• Kanji breakdown: 渾 (kon) — whole, entire; 身 (shin/mi) — body, self
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɲ.ɕiɴ/

Meaning

With all one's might; one's whole body and soul; every ounce of one's strength.

A noun used almost exclusively in the phrase 渾身の〜 (one's whole-being ~), indicating that something embodies the speaker's or creator's total effort and energy. Particularly common in arts, sports, and personal achievement contexts. The intensity is absolute — it cannot be qualified with words like 'somewhat'.

Examples

1. 渾身の力を込めて、彼は最後の一球を投げ込んだ。 Pouring every ounce of his strength into it, he threw the final pitch.
2. これが私の渾身の作です、どうぞご覧ください。 This is my masterwork, created with everything I have — please take a look.
3. 渾身の演技で観客を圧倒した俳優に、割れんばかりの拍手が送られた。 The actor, who overwhelmed the audience with a performance given with all his might, received thunderous applause.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, arts, achievement, effort

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From 渾 (kon, whole/all) and 身 (shin/mi, body/self). 渾 is a less common character meaning 'entire' or 'undivided,' emphasising totality. The compound has Chinese origins and was adopted into Japanese for its expressive force.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal