体格 (tǐ gé) — physique; physical build | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

Refers specifically to the body's build and physical condition (strength, health), more clinical or descriptive than everyday 身体. Often used when measuring fitness, e.g., 体格检查 (physical exam).

noun

physiquephysical build

Examples

体格，。
Tā de tǐ gé hěn hǎo, kàn qǐ lái hěn jiàn kāng.
His physique is very good; he looks very healthy.
体格。
Jīng cháng duàn liàn kě yǐ ràng tǐ gé biàn de gèng qiáng.
Regular exercise can make your physique stronger.
体格。
Zhè liǎng zhǒng dòng wù de tǐ gé chā yì hěn dà.
The physique of these two animals is very different.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

体 refers to the body and 格 to its form or frame, together naming a person's physique.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 體; 体 is its simplified writing.

骨豊體

Meaning part形符xíngfú

骨骨gǔbone

Sound part声符shēngfú

豊

豊lǐ體tǐ

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 體 pairs 骨 (bone) with 豊 as a sound part; this note is about 體, not about the parts of 体.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

木各格

Meaning part形符xíngfú

木木mùwood

Sound part声符shēngfú

各

各gè格gé

Same sound today

格 is built from 木 (wood) on the left and 各 on the right, which gives the sound.

Appears in

Body Parts Fitness & Exercise

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