Translation and Meaning of: 死体 - shitai
On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 死体 (shitai) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.
Romaji: shitai
Kana: したい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2
Translation / Meaning: corpse
Meaning in English: corpse
Definition: The body of a living person whose vital activities have ceased.
Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases
Explanation and Etymology - (死体) shitai
The Japanese word 「死体」 (shitai) refers to a lifeless body, that is, a corpse. The combination of the kanji characters 「死」 (shi) meaning "death" and 「体」 (tai) meaning "body" literally expresses the meaning of this word. It is a direct union of the concepts of life and death, emphasizing the inanimate state of a human or animal body after life has ceased. This term is used in formal and scientific contexts to describe bodies that have been apprehended or discovered without life.
The etymology of 「死体」 is quite straightforward: 「死」 is derived from the radical of death, common in several Japanese words that refer to death or dying, such as in 「死亡」 (shibou), meaning "decease" or "death." Meanwhile, 「体」 is one of the most basic kanji used to describe physical forms or bodies in general, whether living or deceased. The combination of these two characters leaves no doubt about the term's meaning as a body that no longer possesses life. It is interesting that both parts of the kanji comprise a familiar subject for Japanese speakers, allowing for easy understanding right from the start.
In cultural and usage terms, 「死体」 is a neutral and scientific word, used in various contexts such as in forensics, criminal investigations, and even in literature and cinema, often depicting mysteries or tragedies. When the intention is to be a bit softer or more polite, especially when referring to deceased loved ones, words like 「遺体」 (itai) may be used, adding a touch of respect and consideration. In Japan, the treatment of a 「死体」 also involves several specific processes and rituals related to local religious and cultural practices, which are usually strictly observed.
The term "死体" is also a relevant term in linguistics, as it reflects how the Japanese language deals with death and the human body. Like other words related to death, it is common to find it in formal and technical written Japanese, but less frequent in daily communication to avoid any insensitive tone regarding the loss of life. Considering the language that circulates around such a heavy concept is fundamental when studying the use of this term in Japanese society.
Synonyms and similar words
- 遺体 (itai) - Body (usually refers to the body of someone who has passed away, used in formal contexts)
- 死骸 (shigai) - Remains (indicates a body in a state of decomposition)
- 死者 (shisha) - Deceased (a more comprehensive term that refers to any person who has died)
- 亡骸 (bougai) - Remains (emphasizes the state of the body after death, similar to 死骸)
- 亡者 (bouja) - Soul of the deceased (usually refers to the spirit or memory of the person who has died)
Words related
Words with the same pronunciation: したい shitai
How to Write in Japanese - (死体) shitai
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (死体) shitai:
Example Sentences - (死体) shitai
Below are some example sentences:
Shitai wo mitsuketa
I found a dead body.
- 死体 - dead body
- を - object particle
- 見つけた - found
Other words of the same type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
