noun / adverb HSK 5
Traditional 幕後
behind the scenes · backstage · behind-the-scenes
Meaning
幕后 literally means 'behind the curtain' and refers to what happens out of public view. It originally described the backstage area in theater but now broadly means any activity, influence, or people working unseen to make something happen.
Usage
Commonly used both literally (theater/film backstage) and figuratively (hidden influences, secret controllers). Often appears as 幕后人员 (behind-the-scenes staff), 幕后操纵 (manipulate from behind the scenes), or 幕后黑手 (hidden mastermind with negative connotation). Can function as a noun or as an adverbial modifier.
Examples
- 01这部电影的幕后团队非常专业。.The behind-the-scenes team for this film is very professional.
- 02警方正在调查这起事件的幕后主使。.The police are investigating the mastermind behind this incident.
Characters
Common collocations
- 幕后工作behind-the-scenes work
- 幕后人员backstage staff
- 幕后操纵manipulate from behind the scenes
- 幕后黑手hidden mastermind (negative)
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 幕 (curtain, especially a theater curtain) with 后 (behind), creating the image of the area behind the stage curtain where actors prepare and stagehands work unseen by the audience.