违背 wéibèi to go against
to go against; to be contrary to; to violate
How to remember 违背: 违 to violate + 背 back = to go against.
Characters
How it is used
- To go against / violate a principle, promise, or wish - 违背良心 (wéibèi liángxīn) to act against one's conscience; 违背诺言 to break a promise.
- Takes abstract objects: principles, morals, rules, intentions, facts (违背事实 contrary to the facts).
- 违背 = to contravene something you should uphold; broader/more moral than 违反 (wéifǎn), which pairs with concrete rules/laws (违反规定/法律).
Example sentences
- 你不该违背你的诺言。 Nǐ bùgāi wéibèi nǐ de nuòyán.You shouldn't break promises.