Translation and Meaning of: 出身 - shusshin

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 出身 (しゅっしん). It appears frequently in conversations, forms, and even in animes, but its meaning goes beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, and why it is so relevant for understanding social and cultural aspects of the country. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you master like this in a practical way.

The meaning and use of 出身

出身 (しゅっしん) is a word that indicates origin, whether from a person, a place, or even an institution. In the Japanese context, it is often used to ask or declare where someone is from, such as in "東京出身ですか？" (Are you from Tokyo?). This type of question is common in initial conversations, as the Japanese value knowing the origin of their interlocutor to establish connections.

Besides referring to cities or regions, 出身 can also indicate academic or professional background. For example, "あの先生は東大出身です" (That teacher graduated from the University of Tokyo). This dual meaning makes the word versatile, but it requires attention to avoid confusing the contexts.

The origin and the kanjis of 出身

The composition of 出身 comes from the kanji 出 (to exit) and 身 (body, person), literally suggesting "to come from a place" or "to originate from something." This construction well reflects the practical use of the word, which always refers to a provenance. It is worth noting that, although the term is of Chinese origin (like most vocabulary with kanji), its current use is purely Japanese, with no significant variations in other Asian languages.

Curiously, 出身 has no alternative or expressive dialectal readings. The pronunciation しゅっしん is standardized throughout Japan, which makes learning easier. However, in some formal contexts, such as official documents, you may find the longer version 出身地 (しゅっしんち), which specifies "place of origin."

The cultural weight behind 出身

In Japan, asking about someone's 出身 goes beyond superficial curiosity. The answer can influence social perceptions, as certain regions or universities carry specific stereotypes. For example, being from Osaka often associates the person with a more extroverted profile, while graduating from an elite institution can create professional expectations.

This cultural aspect makes the word appear constantly in dramas, manga, and even in job interviews. In series like "Terrace House," it is common for participants to mention their origins to contextualize their personalities. Therefore, understanding 出身 is essential for those who want to dive into the Japanese language and customs.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 故郷 (kokyō) - Homeland; hometown.
• 生まれ故郷 (umarekokyō) - Place of birth; hometown of birth.
• 出生地 (shusshōchi) - Place of birth; the place where someone was born.
• 起源地 (kigenchi) - Place of origin; place of provenance.
• 出自 (shutsuji) - Origin or provenance of someone; ancestry.
• 身分 (mibun) - Social status or position; identity.
• 身元 (minamoto) - Identity; personal origin; background.
• 身分証明書 (mibun shōmeisho) - Identity document; proof of identity.