Meanings of 體
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 體
Podcast: 體
Podcast: 體
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 體
身体 (shēntǐ) refers specifically to the human body, while 體 (tǐ) can denote a broader range of bodies or systems, including abstract concepts.
Common mistakes include confusing 體 with similar-sounding words like 提 (tí), which means to lift. It's often used in formal contexts, such as scientific discussions or literature about social systems. Be careful with the third tone in pronunciation, as mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
While 體 is not explicitly listed in HSK levels, it is useful for HSK 4 and above given its applications in discussing complex ideas. Focus on its usage in phrases like 體育 (tǐyù, sports) or 體系 (tǐxì, system) to enhance vocabulary related to physical education and organizational structures.
Learners often confuse 體 with 体 (tǐ), the simplified version, leading to errors in writing. Additionally, some may use it incorrectly in phrases, such as saying '我的體是好' (wǒ de tǐ shì hǎo) when they should say '我身体很好' (wǒ shēntǐ hěn hǎo) to mean 'I am in good health'.
Pronunciation of 體
Drill the tone of 體 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 體
Simplified form of 體. The foundation (本) of a person (亻) is their body (体).
bone
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 體
Simplified form of 體. The foundation (本) of a person (亻) is their body (体).
- 1The meaning half骨 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half豊 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaybone
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 體? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 體?
Decomposition of 體
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 體?
How to say body; group, class; form, style, system in Chinese
“body; group, class; form, style, system” in Chinese is體
The character 體 (tǐ) primarily refers to the physical body or the human form. It can also denote a group, class, or system, especially in a more abstract or organizational context. In various expressions, it signifies the structure or framework of something, such as a system or style.
When to use 體
Common mistakes include confusing 體 with similar-sounding words like 提 (tí), which means to lift. It's often used in formal contexts, such as scientific discussions or literature about social systems. Be careful with the third tone in pronunciation, as mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
體 or something close to it
身体 (shēntǐ) refers specifically to the human body, while 體 (tǐ) can denote a broader range of bodies or systems, including abstract concepts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 體 with 体 (tǐ), the simplified version, leading to errors in writing. Additionally, some may use it incorrectly in phrases, such as saying '我的體是好' (wǒ de tǐ shì hǎo) when they should say '我身体很好' (wǒ shēntǐ hěn hǎo) to mean 'I am in good health'.
Write 體
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 體 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Word Family of 體
Compound Meaning
What does 身体 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 體
Common phrases include 體育 (tǐyù, sports) and 體系 (tǐxì, system). These phrases illustrate the word's versatility in both physical and organizational contexts.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 體?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.