Definition
侧身 is a separable verb (离合词) that literally means 'to turn the body sideways', most often used in the phrase 侧身而过 ('to pass through sideways'). It also has a formal figurative sense of 'to occupy a humble place' or 'to participate humbly', often seen in expressions like 侧身于 ('to join/humble oneself in'). Because it is separable, you can insert a measure word or complement between the two characters — for example, 侧了一下身 ('turned sideways once').
v.o.
to sidleto go sideways (by turning one's body sideways)(formal) to occupy a humble position or to participate humbly (in an activity or field)
Examples
- ，侧身。Zǒuláng tài zhǎi le, zhǐ néng cè ér guò.The corridor is too narrow; you can only go through sideways.
- 。Tā cè le yí xià shēn cái tōngguò nà dào mén.He turned sideways before passing through that door.
- ，侧身。Tā suīrán chūshēn pínhán, dàn hòulái cè yú wénhuà jiè.Although he came from a humble background, he later joined the cultural circles.
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