Translation and Meaning of: 中身 - nakami

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 中身 (nakami) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: nakami

Kana: なかみ

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n2

中身

Translation / Meaning: content; interior; substance; filling; (sword) blade

Meaning in English: contents;interior;substance;filling;(sword) blade

Definition: A part contained in something.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (中身) nakami

The word 「中身」 (nakami) combines the kanji 「中」 (naka), which means "inside" or "interior," and 「身」 (mi), which means "body" or "content." Together, these characters convey the idea of something that is contained or composes the inside of something. This combination is used to describe the content of an object, whether it is physical, like a box, or more abstract, like the content of a conversation.

In Japanese, the concept of 「中身」 is quite applicable and versatile, as it can be used in a variety of contexts. Besides referring to the physical content of containers, the term can also allude to immaterial aspects such as ideas or emotions. For example, one can talk about a person's 「中身」, referring to their character or personality, or even use the expression to describe details of a plan or project.

The origin of the use of 「中身」 to describe broad and varied contents is linked to Japanese culture and its appreciation for the spirit (「心」, kokoro) and the essence of things. Historically, this is closely related to the concept of finding beauty and meaning in the intangible, something quite prevalent in Japanese literature and art. This rich cultural history helps explain why words like 「中身」 are used so effectively to describe more than just physical items.

Synonyms and similar words

中身 (nakami) - Content, inside of something.
内容 (naiyou) - Content, what is included in something; more frequently used in formal contexts.
中心 (chuushin) - Center, a central point of something; it can be physical or metaphorical.
中央 (chuuou) - Center, a reference to a central position, often in geographical or administrative contexts.
中核 (chuukaku) - core, the central or main part of something that maintains the structure.
本質 (honshitsu) - Essence, the intrinsic nature of something.
要点 (youten) - Main point or essential part of an argument or text; important summary.
要旨 (youshi) - Summary or essence; it generally refers to the main objective or central idea of a text.
要素 (youso) - Element, a constituent part of a whole.
肝心 (kanjin) - Essential, something critical or fundamental; often implies vital importance.
核心 (kakushin) - Core, the most essential or central part of a subject.
本体 (hontai) - Main body, substance, or entity in itself, without the additional parts.
本題 (hondai) - Main theme or central question of a discussion or text.
本旨 (honshi) - Main objective or intention; refers to the substantial purpose.
本心 (honshin) - True heart, sincerity; a person's true intentions.
本意 (hon'i) - The true intention or meaning of an action or speech is often not apparent.
本義 (hongi) - Original or substantial meaning of a word or concept.
本懐 (honkai) - Deepest wish or true aspiration, generally in personal contexts.
本筋 (honsuji) - Main line of an argument; the central plot or narrative line in stories.
本線 (hon-sen) - Main line, often used in transportation contexts or as an essential connection.
本流 (honryuu) - Mainstream or traditional, often referring to a predominant influence or style.
本流れ (hon-nagare) - Mainstream, a current or movement that is traditional or established.
本流派 (honryuha) - Main school or traditional style, the most recognized current within a discipline.
本流儀 (honryuugi) - Main practices or rituals of a tradition or school.
本流儀式 (honryuushiki) - Main ritual, recognized traditional ceremony.
本流儀礼 (honryuurei) - Etiquette or protocol within the main tradition or school.
本流儀式典 (honryuushikiten) - Formal ceremony of the main style, educational or cultural.
本流儀典礼 (honryuudenrei) - Formal ritual or ceremony recognized within the main tradition.