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身を粉にする (みをこにする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, suru verb (irregular)
work oneself to the bone ; give one's all ; make the utmost effort
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to turn one's body into dust', used to describe working extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion or self-sacrifice. Conveys a strong sense of dedication and effort.
身み
を
粉こ
に
し
て
努ど
力りょく
し
た
結けっ
果か
、
夢ゆめ
が
叶かな
っ
た
。
As a result of giving it my all, my dream came true.
Kanji 身 somebody, person, one's station in life Similar words 一いっ 生しょう 懸けん 命めい Means 'with all one's might' or 'very hard', but is a general adverb/adjective. 身を粉にする is a more vivid, idiomatic expression emphasizing physical sacrifice and relentless effort.
粉ふん 骨こつ 砕さい 身しん A four-character compound with a similar literal meaning ('grinding bones and crushing body'), but it is more formal and literary. 身を粉にする is more common in everyday speech.
Etymology The expression literally means 'to turn one's body into powder/dust'. It is a metaphorical phrase emphasizing extreme effort, as if one's physical form is being ground down by hard work. The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern in Japanese of using bodily metaphors for dedication.
