Japanese word

背後

Pronunciation

Romajihaigo

Meaning

  • nounback

Example

建物の背後に駐車場があります。tate mono no hai go ni chū sha jō ga a ri ma su

There is a parking lot at the back of the building.

Illustration for 背後 (back)

More examples

先生は背後から声をかけました。sen sei wa hai go ka ra koe o ka ke ma shi ta

The teacher spoke to me from behind.

Core concept

Refers to the space located behind an object or person rather than the space in front of it.

Common phrases

  • 背後に立つhai go ni ta tsu

    stand behind

  • 背後から見るhai go ka ra mi ru

    look from behind

Similar words

後ろushiro: The space directly behind a person or object in everyday speech.

Definition in Japanese

人や物の後ろ側にある場所や位置。hito ya mono no ushi ro gawa ni a ru ba sho ya i chi

Word origin

背後 (haigo) consists of 背 (hai, "back") and 後 (go, "behind"), whose meanings combine to indicate what is at the back.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 後ろ (ushiro) is usually more natural than 背後 (haigo) for a simple location such as the back of a building.

Other meanings

  • behindnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word