Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Being covered in wounds, physically or emotionally.
日本語で読む
体や心が傷だらけであること。

Cultural Context:

Used in sports, military, and personal struggle contexts; symbolizes enduring hardship.
日本語で読む
スポーツや戦争、個人的な困難の場面で使われ、苦難に耐え抜く姿を象徴する。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase with “で” or “の体” to describe being badly injured or completely worn out (“満身創痍で戦う”).<br>• Used in sports, battles, or metaphorical struggles.
日本語で読む
• 全身が傷だらけ、または心身共に疲弊している様子を表す「〜で」「〜の体」(例:「満身創痍で戦う」)。<br>• スポーツや戦い、比喩的な苦闘で用いられる。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be taken as “minor injury,” but it suggests severe and extensive damage.
日本語で読む
軽い怪我ではなく、深刻で全身的な損傷を指す点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 試合後、満身創痍で立っていた。

    After the match, he was standing covered in wounds.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 試合が終わる頃には、彼は満身創痍だった。

    By the end of the match, he was battered and bruised all over.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「満身創痍」 mean?

More questions: Yojijukugo quiz →