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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'body' with 身 (shēn)

    Location & Position
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Noun + 的 + 身 + Position Word

    Explanation

    The noun 身 (shēn) refers to 'body' or 'person.' It frequently appears in compound expressions such as 身后 (behind someone) or 身上 (on one's body). In classical and literary Chinese, 身 often stands alone where modern Chinese would use 身体.

    Examples

    • 她身上穿着一件红色的外套。

      Tā shēn shàng chuān zhe yí jiàn hóngsè de wàitào.

      She is wearing a red coat.

    • 他转过身后，发现有人在跟着他。

      Tā zhuǎn guò shēn hòu, fāxiàn yǒu rén zài gēn zhe tā.

      After he turned around, he noticed someone was following him.

    • 这孩子身上总是带着一股活力。

      Zhè háizi shēn shàng zǒng shì dài zhe yì gǔ huólì.

      This child always carries an air of vitality.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'body' with 身 (shēn) | Chinese Grammar