🇯🇵 How to say

“back” in Japanese

背中せなか
Illustration of "back" in a Japanese cultural setting
A mother gently pats her child's back to soothe them after a fall in the park, the comforting touch clearly visible against the small shoulders.

Usage note

背中 refers to the physical back of a person or animal, and is commonly used in everyday contexts like describing pain, washing, or carrying something.

Examples

  • 背中がかゆいです。

    My back is itchy.

  • 背中を洗ってください。

    Please wash my back.

  • 猫が私の背中に乗っています。

    A cat is on my back.

Quick check

What does "背中" mean?

  • A. back
  • B. horse
  • C. snake
  • D. nose

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