背

JLPT N3

Back, height

Readings

On’yomi: ハイ (hai)

Kun’yomi: せ ,
そむ(く) ,
そむ(ける) (se, somu(ku), somu(keru))

• せ – back, height (of a person) • そむ(く) – to go against, to turn one’s back • そむ(ける) – to turn away, to avert

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

背中

せなか

back

背が高い

せがたかい

tall

背景

はいけい

background

背負う

せおう

carry on back

背丈

せたけ

height

Example Sentences

背中が痛いです。

せなかがいたいです。

My back hurts.

彼は背が高いです。

かれはせがたかいです。

He is tall.

背景です。

はいけいです。

It is the background.

荷物を背負います。

にもつをせおいます。

I carry luggage on my back.

背丈を測ります。

せたけをはかります。

I measure height.

Cultural Note

In Japanese culture, turning one’s back (背) can symbolize rejection or emotional distance. Expressions like 「背を向ける」(to turn one’s back) often suggest refusal or disconnection, while 「背中を押す」(to push someone’s back) means to encourage or support them forward.