Meaning
背后 literally means 'behind' or 'at the back of' something or someone. It can refer to physical location (the space behind an object) or metaphorical meaning (what happens when someone is not present, or the hidden factors/motives behind a situation).
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 背后 in both literal and figurative senses. When describing hidden actions or gossip, 在背后 (zài bèi hòu) means 'behind someone's back.' It often carries implications of secrecy or things not immediately visible. The metaphorical usage suggesting 'underlying reasons' or 'background story' is very common in everyday speech.
Examples
- 01他总是在别人背后说闲话。.He always gossips behind other people's backs.
- 02这件事的背后一定有什么原因。.There must be some reason behind this matter.
Characters
Common collocations
- 在背后behind (someone's back)
- 背后的原因underlying reasons
- 背后说坏话to speak ill of someone behind their back
- 站在...背后...to stand behind/support someone
Antonyms
Origin
Compound of 背 (back) and 后 (behind/after), creating a spatial term that naturally extended to metaphorical uses describing hidden or underlying aspects.