In Chinese culture, discussing one's `身材` is a common and relatively open topic, perhaps more so than in many Western cultures. It's a frequent subject in conversations among friends, in media, and is closely tied to concepts of health, self-discipline, and beauty. A “good” `身材` is often seen as a sign of a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. Traditionally and in modern times, a slender (`苗条 miáotiáo`) figure is a common beauty standard for women, while a fit and strong (`健壮 jiànzhuàng`) build is often admired in men. The booming fitness industry (`健身 jiànshēn`) in China is a direct reflection of this cultural focus on achieving a desirable `身材`. Compared to Western culture, giving a direct compliment like “你身材很好!” (Nǐ shēncái hěn hǎo! - “Your figure is great!”) to a friend or colleague is generally less likely to be considered overly forward or inappropriate. It's often taken as a straightforward and positive observation, similar to complimenting a new haircut. However, context is still key, and such comments are best reserved for people you know reasonably well. This directness contrasts with some Western contexts where unsolicited comments on a person's body shape can be seen as sensitive or taboo.
`身材` is used constantly in a variety of modern contexts.
The connotation of `身材` itself is neutral, but it's almost always colored by the adjective used with it (e.g., `好` good, `棒` great, `差` poor, `性感` sexy).