Translation and Meaning of: 背後 - haigo

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 背後 (はいご). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal texts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical usage, and some particularities that help understand how it is perceived by native speakers. Additionally, we will look at tips for memorizing it and avoiding confusion with similar terms.

The meaning and use of 背後

背後 (はいご) literally means "behind," "rear part," or "back," but its use goes beyond physical location. In Japanese, it carries the idea of something that is hidden, not visible, or even unknown. For example, it can be used to refer to circumstances behind an event or unspoken reasons in a situation.

An interesting detail is that 背後 is not limited to objects or people. It also appears in abstract contexts, such as in "背後にある意図" (はいごにあるいと), which means "the intention behind (something)". This flexibility makes the word useful in both informal dialogues and more serious discussions.

Origin and structure of kanjis

The kanji that make up 背後 have quite literal meanings. 背 (はい) means "back" or "height," while 後 (ご) means "behind" or "after." Together, they reinforce the notion of something that is positioned at the back, whether physically or metaphorically.

It's worth noting that 背 can also be read as "se" in other words, such as 背中 (せなか), which means "back" (of the body). On the other hand, 後 appears in terms like 後ろ (うしろ), another way to say "behind." This variation in readings is common in Japanese and helps to understand how kanjis behave in different contexts.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 背後 is to associate it with situations where something is not visible at first glance. For example, think of expressions like "背後から襲う" (はいごからおそう), which means "to attack from behind." This type of construction helps to retain not only the word but also its use in real sentences.

Another tip is to pay attention to the tone of the conversation. While 後ろ (うしろ) is more casual and direct, 背後 tends to appear in contexts that require a bit more formality or nuance. Noticing these subtle differences makes all the difference when it comes to choosing the appropriate term.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 後ろ (ushiro) - Costas; back part.
• 裏側 (uragawa) - Back side; hidden or reverse part.
• 裏面 (uramen) - Back surface; opposite side.
• 裏手 (uradate) - Back side; area near the back.
• 裏 (ura) - Hidden or back side.
• 後方 (kouhou) - Rear direction; back part of something.
• 後ろ側 (ushiroside) - Back side; the part that is at the back.
• 後方部 (kouhoubu) - Rear section; part located at the back.
• 後方地域 (kouhouchiiki) - Rear region; area located at the back.
• 後ろ姿 (ushirosugata) - Silhouette or figure seen from behind.
• 後方視界 (kouhou shikai) - Field of vision backwards.
• 後方視野 (kouhou shiya) - Rear view; visual range to the back.
• 後方視線 (kouhou shisen) - Looking back direction.
• 後方視力 (kouhou shiryoku) - Visual capacity to the back.
• 後方観察 (kouhou kansatsu) - Observation of the back part.
• 後方監視 (kouhou kanshi) - Monitoring of the posterior area.
• 後方支援 (kouhou shien) - Support in the background.
• 後方作戦 (kouhou sakusen) - Back-end operations.
• 後方勤務 (kouhou kinmu) - Service or operation at the rear.
• 後方拠点 (kouhou kyoten) - Base or support point in the rear.
• 後方部隊 (kouhou butai) - Unit at the back.
• 後方戦略 (kouhou senryaku) - Back strategy.
• 後方戦術 (kouhou senjutsu) - Rear guard tactic.
• 後方戦闘 (kouhou sentou) - Combat in the rear.
• 後方展開 (kouhou tenkai) - Unfolding at the back.
• 後方補給 (kouhou hokyuu) - Supply in the rear.
• 後方連絡 (kouhou renraku) - Communication in the background.
• 後方輸送 (kouhou yusou) - Transport in the rear.
• 後方防御 (kouhou bougyo) - Defense in the rear.

背後

Romaji: haigo
Kana: はいご
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: back part

Meaning in English: back;rear

Definition: From behind an object or person.

Example Sentences - (背後) haigo

See below some example sentences:

背後に誰かいるかもしれない。

Ushiro ni dareka iru kamoshirenai

Pode haver alguém atrás de mim.

Maybe someone behind.

• 背後に - indicates the location "behind"
• 誰か - means "someone"
• いる - Verb "to be" in the present
• かもしれない - expression that indicates possibility, "it could be that"