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March 24, 2026
后背(後背)hòubèi(hou4bei4)
后背 (hòu bèi) refers to the back of a person, specifically the part of the body that is opposite the chest. It can also denote the back part of an object or area. This term is often used in both anatomical discussions and in describing spatial relationships.
Frequency#6278DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the back symbolizes support and carrying burdens, reflecting the importance of familial and communal support. The phrase '背后' (behind one's back) can imply trust or betrayal in interpersonal relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large 'H' for '后' where the two vertical lines represent a person's sides and the horizontal line symbolizes the '背' as their back. Visualize someone standing with their back facing you, emphasizing the rear view.
Meanings of 后背
hòubèi(hou4bei4)
1the back (human anatomy)
2the back part of sth
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 后背
后背Simplified
後背Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6278Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 后背
Podcast: 后背
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AI Study Notes for 后背
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large 'H' for '后' where the two vertical lines represent a person's sides and the horizontal line symbolizes the '背' as their back. Visualize someone standing with their back facing you, emphasizing the rear view.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 后背 with 背部 (bèibù), which is more formal and specifically refers to the back area in a medical context. In casual conversation, use 后背; in formal contexts or when discussing health, 背部 is preferred. Remember that the pronunciation is critical, as misplacing the tones can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 后背 connects well with other words related to body parts and spatial descriptions. Students should focus on using it in sentences that describe physical states or locations to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the back symbolizes support and carrying burdens, reflecting the importance of familial and communal support. The phrase '背后' (behind one's back) can imply trust or betrayal in interpersonal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 后背 and 背部, using them interchangeably in all contexts. For example, saying '我去医院看我的后背' (I go to the hospital to see my back) can be misleading; it's better to use 背部 in a medical context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 后背
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Grammar Patterns of 后背
后背 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
他笑了，笑容古怪迷离，叫我____发凉。
He smiled, an odd, dreamy smile that sent chills up my back.
He smiled, an odd, dreamy smile that sent chills up my back.
2
莉翻了个身趴下，开始晒后背。
lì fān le gè shēn pā xià， ， kāi shǐ shài hòu。
Leigh rolled over on her stomach to tan her back.
3
他放下后背门，好让狗跳出来。
tā fàng xià hòu bèi mén， ， hǎo ràng gǒu tiào chū。
He let down the tailgate so the dog could jump out.
4
他试着将它分成两包绑在他的拐棍上，然后把所有东西都挂在后背上。
tā shì zháo jiāng tā fēn chéng liǎng bāo bǎng zài tā de guǎi gùn shàng， ， rán hòu bǎ suǒ yǒu dōng xī dū guà zài hòu bèi。
He tried dividing it into two bundles, tying them to his walking stick, and slinging the whole affair across his back.
5
她后背的肌肉疼得厉害。
tā hòu bèi de jī ròu téng dé lì hài。
A sharp ache developed in her back muscles.
6
我后背下方老是疼.
wǒ hòu bèi xià fāng lǎo shì téng.
I've got a nagging pain in my lower back.
7
他所有的朋友在他丢钱以后背弃了他.
tā suǒ yǒu de péng yǒu zài tā diū qián yǐ hòu bèi qì le tā.
All his friends went back on him after he lost his money.
Cultural Notes for 后背
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the back symbolizes support and carrying burdens, reflecting the importance of familial and communal support. The phrase '背后' (behind one's back) can imply trust or betrayal in interpersonal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 后背
You can say '我的后背很痛' (My back hurts) to describe discomfort.
Yes, you can say '这个椅子的后背很高' (The back of this chair is very high).
后背 is considered informal, while 背部 is more formal.
