身長

• Reading: しんちょう
• Romaji: shinchou
• Kanji breakdown: 身 (shin) — body, self; 長 (chou) — long, chief
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.tɕoː/

Meaning

Height; stature. A person's body height measured standing upright.

A noun specifically referring to a person's standing height. Used in formal contexts like medical records, identification documents, and physical examinations. Distinguished from 高さ (general height of objects) and 背 (a more casual word for a person's height). Measured in centimetres in Japan.

Examples

1. 彼の身長は180センチです。 This issue needs to be handled carefully.
2. 身長を測ってもらった。 She has a cautious personality and takes time making decisions.
3. 子供の身長が急に伸びた。 Please read the contract carefully before signing.

Usage Guide

Context: health, profiles, growth

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 身 (body, self) and 長 (long, chief). Together they describe the length of one's body when standing, a straightforward compound for physical stature.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal