心身

• Reading: しんしん
• Romaji: shinshin
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind, spirit; 身 (shin/mi) — body, oneself, status
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.n.ɕi.ɴ/

Meaning

Mind and body; the physical and mental aspects of a person considered as a unified whole.

A compound emphasising the inseparability of mental and physical health. Common in medical, wellness, and philosophical contexts. Key phrases include 心身の健康 (mental and physical health), 心身症 (psychosomatic disorder), 心身ともに (both mentally and physically), and 心身のバランス (balance of mind and body). Reflects holistic health perspectives prevalent in Japanese medicine and culture.

Examples

1. 長期の過重労働が心身に深刻なダメージを与えることが研究で示された。 Research has shown that prolonged overwork causes serious damage to both mind and body.
2. ヨガは心身のバランスを整える手段として世界中で実践されている。 Yoga is practiced worldwide as a way to balance the mind and body.
3. 心身ともに健康であることが、充実した生活の基盤となる。 Being healthy in both mind and body is the foundation of a fulfilling life.

Usage Guide

Context: medicine, wellness, psychology, philosophy, health education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 心 (shin/kokoro, heart/mind) and 身 (shin/mi, body/self). Both characters represent the two fundamental dimensions of human existence, and their combination reflects the holistic view that mind and body are inseparable.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: General