Meaning
后台 literally means 'back stage' and refers to areas or systems that are behind the scenes. In theater, it's the backstage area where actors prepare. In technology, it refers to the backend systems users don't see. It can also mean having powerful connections or backing that provides support from behind the scenes.
Usage
This word is common in both traditional contexts (theater, performance) and modern contexts (computing, websites). When referring to political or social connections, 后台 implies someone has influential people supporting them quietly. In tech, 后台 is the standard term for backend systems, admin panels, and background processes.
Examples
- 01演员们在后台换衣服准备演出。.The actors are changing clothes backstage preparing for the performance.
- 02这个网站的后台管理很容易操作。.This website's backend management system is very easy to operate.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个后台系统
Common collocations
- 后台管理backend management
- 后台系统backend system
- 有后台to have backing/connections
- 后台很硬to have strong backing
Antonyms
Origin
Originally from theater terminology, combining 后 (back) and 台 (stage). The metaphorical extension to 'background support' comes from the idea of people working behind the stage to make the performance succeed.