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背 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
背bēithe back of a body or objectHSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēito turn one's backHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēito hide something fromHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēito learn by heartHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēito recite from memoryHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēiunlucky (slang)HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēihard of hearingHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēiback, backside; to betray, to violateHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bēito carry on the back or shoulderHSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèithe back of a body or objectHSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèito turn one's backHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèito hide something fromHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèito learn by heartHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèito recite from memoryHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèiunlucky (slang)HSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèihard of hearingHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèiback, backside; to betray, to violateHSK 4, v, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
背bèito carry on the back or shoulderHSK 4, unknown, 9 strokes, radical ⺼, rank #1395, Medium
bēi(bei1)
primary
 T1
  1. 1the back of a body or object
  2. 2to turn one's back
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

背(揹)bēi(bei1)

The character 背 (bēi) primarily means 'back' in both a physical and metaphorical sense. It is commonly used to describe the back of a person or object, but it also encompasses actions such as turning one's back on someone or something, hiding information, or memorizing content. In slang, it can imply bad luck or being hard of hearing.

Strokes9Radical⺼Frequency#1395DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of '背' often carries connotations of loyalty and betrayal, especially in stories and literature where characters turn their backs on friends or family. This reflects societal values around trust and honor.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person '背' (bēi) carrying a heavy backpack on their back. The shape of the character resembles a person leaning forward with a load, emphasizing the idea of carrying or bearing weight on one's back. This visual can help you remember that '背' relates to the back and the act of carrying.

Meanings of 背

bēi(bei1)
primary
1the back of a body or object
2to turn one's back
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 背

背Simplified
揹Traditional
9Strokes
⺼Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1395Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2YCTL3HSKKL1CEFRA1

Podcast: 背

JasonAmy

Podcast: 背

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 背

Quick Contrast

背 (bēi) vs 后 (hòu) — use 背 for the physical back or metaphorical meanings, while 后 refers specifically to the back side or behind something.

Usage Notes

Be aware that '背' can also mean to betray or violate trust, which might not be immediately obvious. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's important to gauge the tone based on your audience. Pay attention to the tone when using it, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other characters.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 5 word, '背' connects to themes of body parts and actions, which are common in this level. Focus on how '背' interacts with other verbs like 'carry' (背负, bèifù) or 'memorize' (背诵, bèisòng) to expand your vocabulary and understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 背 with other similar characters, like 备 (bèi), which means 'to prepare.' For example, saying '我背你的行李' (Wǒ bèi nǐ de xínglǐ, 'I carry your luggage') instead of '我帮你背行李' (Wǒ bāng nǐ bèi xínglǐ) can lead to misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 背

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Etymology of 背

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 北 represents the sound. Originally written as 北, a pictograph of two people standing back-to-back.

Memory Hint

flesh

Semantic (meaning)⺼
+
Phonetic (sound)北
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 背

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and 北 represents the sound. Originally written as 北, a pictograph of two people standing back-to-back.

  1. 1The meaning half⺼ carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half北 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawayflesh
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 背? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 背?

Decomposition of 背

IDS Structure⿱北⺼
背Full Character
=
北bei3
top
⺼rou4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 背?

How to say the back of a body or object in Chinese

“the back of a body or object” in Chinese is背bēi

The character 背 (bēi) primarily means 'back' in both a physical and metaphorical sense. It is commonly used to describe the back of a person or object, but it also encompasses actions such as turning one's back on someone or something, hiding information, or memorizing content. In slang, it can imply bad luck or being hard of hearing.

When to use 背

Be aware that '背' can also mean to betray or violate trust, which might not be immediately obvious. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, so it's important to gauge the tone based on your audience. Pay attention to the tone when using it, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other characters.

背 or something close to it

背 (bēi) vs 后 (hòu) — use 背 for the physical back or metaphorical meanings, while 后 refers specifically to the back side or behind something.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 背 with other similar characters, like 备 (bèi), which means 'to prepare.' For example, saying '我背你的行李' (Wǒ bèi nǐ de xínglǐ, 'I carry your luggage') instead of '我帮你背行李' (Wǒ bāng nǐ bèi xínglǐ) can lead to misunderstandings.

Write 背

背

Practice writing 背 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 背

背 carries 9 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Related grammar lessons6
是…的 emphasis是 + [V] + 的
HSK 3

This pattern emphasizes the action or manner of the verb, often used to clarify details.

这是我背的书。

Zhè shì wǒ bèi de shū.

This is the book I carried.

Exercise 1 of 1

Build the Sentence

This is the book I carried.

Tap tokens to build the sentence

Common Confusions with 背

背vs倍
bèi

Same pronunciation but different meaning, related to multiplication.

背vs被
bèi

Both characters share similar pronunciation but have different meanings and usages.

背心 refers to a vest, while 背 (bēi) means to carry on the back.

1

他穿了一件背心。

背心 refers to a vest, while 背 (bēi) means to carry on the back.

💡背心 has '心' (heart) indicating clothing, while 背 (bēi) is about carrying.
Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "the back of a body or object"?

or

Usage Notes for 背

Confusing 背 with other verbsCommon Error

Learn the context of 背, as it can mean both 'to carry' and 'to recite'.

1

我背了这首诗。

I recited this poem from memory.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

我____了这首诗。

I recited this poem from memory.

Example Sentences for 背 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
你需要尽你所能，最大限度地去努力。只要你这么做，只要你能保持乐观，你就会看见乌云背后的幸福线。

nǐ xū yào jìn nǐ suǒ néng， ， zuì dà xiàn dù dì qù nǔ。 lì 。 zhī yào nǐ zhè， mó zuò ， zhī yào nǐ néng bǎo， chí lè guān ， nǐ jiù huì kàn jiàn wū yún bèi hòu。

You have to do everything you can. You have to work your hardest. And if you do, if you stay positive, then you have a shot at a silver lining.
2
告诉你吧，我的背可让我受够罪了！

gào sù nǐ bā， ， wǒ de bèi kě ràng wǒ shòu gòu zuì！

My back's giving me hell, let me tell you!
3
你只是在背诵自己死记硬背下来的东西。

nǐ zhī shì zài bèi sòng zì jǐ sǐ jì yìng bèi xià lái de dōng xī。

You are merely reciting facts that you have learned by rote.
4
我耳背——你得大声说。

wǒ ěr bèi—— —— nǐ dé dà shēng。

I'm quite deaf — you'll have to speak up.
5
你背负了拿到高分的巨大压力。

nǐ bèi fù le ná dào gāo fēn de jù dà yā lì。

There was a lot of pressure on you to obtain good grades.
6
该行为公然违背了《维也纳公约》。

gāi háng wéi gōng rán wéi bèi le《 《 wéi yě nà gōng》。

The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention.
7
嘲笑声的背后潜伏着一种越来越强烈的不安。

cháo xiào shēng de bèi hòu qián fú zháo yī zhǒng yuè lái yuè qiáng liè de bù ān。

Behind the mocking laughter lurks a growing sense of unease.
8
长凳的靠背可以向前翻折成一张桌子。

cháng dèng de kào bèi kě yǐ xiàng qián fān zhē chéng yī zhāng zhuō zǐ。

The back of the bench folds forward to make a table.
9
他宁愿一枪打死自己也不愿违背自己的原则。

tā níng yuàn yī qiāng dǎ sǐ zì jǐ yě bù yuàn wéi bèi zì jǐ de yuán zé。

He would rather shoot himself than compromise his principles.
10
他笑了，笑容古怪迷离，叫我后背发凉。

tā xiào le， ， xiào róng gǔ guài mí， lí ， jiào wǒ hòu bèi。

He smiled, an odd, dreamy smile that sent chills up my back.

Word Family of 背

Compounds5
偝
褙bei4paper or cloth pasted together
揹
禙
鄁
Words Containing This Character20
背bēito turn one's back
背景bèijǐngbackground
背后bèihòubehind背後
背叛bèipànto betray
违背wéibèito go against違背
背包bēibāoknapsack
后背hòubèithe back (human anatomy)後背
背部(anatomy) dorsum
背心bèixīnCL:件[jiàn]
背影rear view
背面bèimiànthe back
背负to bear背負
背离to depart from背離
背诵bèisòngto recite背誦
背弃abandon背棄
手背back of the hand
驼背hunchbacked駝背
背道而驰to run in the opposite direction (idiom); to run counter to背道而馳
背黑锅to be made a scapegoat背黑鍋
背景音乐soundtrack背景音樂
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 褙 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 背

背 (bēi) and 背 (bèi) are different in pronunciation and meaning. 背 (bēi) typically refers to carrying or the back of something, while 背 (bèi) is used in the context of 'to turn one's back' or 'to hide.' Understanding these distinctions can help you use them correctly in conversation.

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