背后 bèihòu behind
behind; at the back; in the rear; behind somebody's back
How to remember 背后: 背 back + 后 back = behind.
Characters
How it is used
- Physically behind - 大楼背后 (dàlóu bèihòu) behind the building; also the hidden side of things: 背后的原因 (bèihòu de yuányīn) the reason behind it.
- Strong 'behind someone's back' sense: 在背后说人坏话 (zài bèihòu shuō rén huàihuà) to badmouth people behind their backs.
- Covers both spatial 'in the rear' and figurative 'behind the scenes'.
Example sentences
- 那背后是什么意思？ Nà bèihòu shì shénme yìsi?What's the idea behind that?
- 下车，把手放在背后。 Xiàchē, bǎshǒu fàngzài bèihòu.Step out of the car and place your hands behind your back.