Translation and Meaning of: 裏 - ura

If you've ever looked at a coat and thought "which side is the right one?", then you've come into contact with the concept of 裏[うら] without even realizing it. This little Japanese word carries a deeper meaning than it seems at first glance, going beyond just "the back side" or "reverse." In this article, we will explore the etymology, its everyday use in Japanese, and even some curiosities that make this expression so special. If you are here looking for translation, origin, or tips to memorize the kanji, you are in the right place — and on top of that, you will also learn useful phrases to add to your Anki.

The interesting thing about 裏 is that it is not limited to physical objects. In Japan, it can also describe hidden situations, concealed intentions, or even the "other side" of a story. Who hasn't heard someone say "there's an 裏" to indicate that there's more behind what's being said? Indeed, this word is so versatile that it even appears in poker — after all, no one wants to show their cards before the right time, right?

Etymology and Writing of the Kanji 裏

The kanji 裏 is made up of two main components: the radical 衣 (ころも), which means "clothing", and the bottom part 里 (さと), which represents a village or community. Together, they suggest the idea of something that is "beneath the fabric" or "hidden inside". This construction makes perfect sense when we think about how the word is used — whether to describe the lining of a jacket or the hidden side of a situation.

In writing, it's easy to confuse 裏 with other similar kanjis, such as 表[おもて] (front/surface). A tip to avoid mistakes? Remember that the "inside" (裏) has one more stroke, as if it's hiding something. On the other hand, the "outside" (表) is more open, with no secrets. This small detail when writing can save you from more than one blunder in Japanese.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In everyday life, Japanese people use 裏 in expressions that go far beyond the literal meaning. One of the most common is 裏がある (うらがある), which means "to have ulterior motives" or "to hide something." Can you imagine someone telling you "this thing has 裏" and you not understanding? Well, it's better to memorize that!

Another interesting use is in cuisine. Have you heard of 裏メニュー (うらめにゅー)? These are dishes that aren't on the menu, but every "local" customer knows about them. It's like a secret between the restaurant and its most regular patrons. And believe me, in Japan, some of the best dishes are precisely on that hidden list.

Curiosities and Tips for Memorization

Did you know that there is even a verb derived from 裏? 裏切る (うらぎる) means "to betray," and the image behind it is precisely that of "turning the hidden side against someone." It is no wonder that this word carries such a heavy emotional weight in Japanese culture, where loyalty is taken extremely seriously.

To memorize, how about associating the kanji with something concrete? Imagine a jacket: the beautiful and presentable side is 表, while the lining — that part we only see when we turn it inside out — is precisely 裏. This simple image can help reinforce both the meaning and the writing. And if you’re the type who likes colorful notes, a tip is to write the kanji in red whenever it appears — after all, it often indicates something that needs extra attention.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 裏裏 (Uraura) - Interior (internal numbering or the reverse side of something)
• 裏側 (Urasawa) - Back, inner side
• 裏面 (Uramen) - Internal or rear surface, often used in technical contexts
• 裏手 (Urate) - Rear foot, the area located on the back of something (like a building)
• 裏地 (Uraji) - Inner lining of a fabric or garment
• 裏表 (Uraomote) - Front and back, with an emphasis on duality
• 裏面積 (Urameshaku) - Inner surface area
• 裏面加工 (Uramenkakou) - Processing of the internal surface
• 裏面処理 (Uramentori) - Internal surface treatment

裏

Romaji: ura
Kana: うら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: reverse side; wrong side; back part; bottom surface; interior; palm; sole; opposite; rear; lining; second half (of an entry)

Meaning in English: reverse side;wrong side;back;undersurface;inside;palm;sole;opposite;rear;lining;last half (of an inning)

Definition: The opposite side of something. Arrival at 隐藏.

Example Sentences - (裏) ura

See below some example sentences:

愛憎は表裏一体だ。

Aizou wa hyouri ittai da

Love and hate are the same currency.

• 愛憎 - Love and hate
• は - connecting particle
• 表裏 - front and back
• 一体 - unity, integrity
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

裏を返す

Ura wo kaesu

Up side down.

Turn

• 裏 - means "back" or "opposite side".
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action.
• 返す - verb that means "to turn", "to invert" or "to return".

裏返しになった服を直してください。

Uragaeshi ni natta fuku wo naoshite kudasai

Please fix the clothes that were turned inside out.

Please fix the inverted clothes.

• 裏返し - Inside out
• になった - became
• 服 - clothes
• を - direct object particle
• 直してください - please fix

彼女は私を裏切った。

Kanojo wa watashi wo uragitta

She cheated on me.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 裏切った (uragitta) - cheated

裏口から入る。

Uraguchi kara hairu

Enter through the back door.

Enter the back door.

• 裏口 - means "back door" or "side entrance".
• から - means "from" or "of".
• 入る - means "to enter".