Back in Japanese
"back" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
背
se
9 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "back". The most common choice is shown first.
Top pick
back, amidst, in, reverse, inside, palm, sole, rear, lining, wrong side
Reading: ri
13 strokes
Where it comes from
Combines 'clothing' (衤) with 'village' (里), representing the inside of clothes or back of things. Means the opposite of front, hidden parts.
What it carries
Symbolizes the reverse side, hidden aspects, and truth. Represents essence invisible on the surface and secret worlds.
Related kanji for "back"
back
go
Composed of '彳' (go), '幺' (thread), '夊' (foot). Dragging feet, falling behind.
back, go back on
hai
Composed of north and flesh. Flesh of north.
back
chi
Composed of advance and rhinoceros. Slow like rhinoceros.
back
kou
Composed of cliff, one, and mouth. Person behind.
send back(also: return)
kan · dynamic
Composed of advance and phonetic. Returning by circling.
look back(also: review, examine oneself, turn around)
ko · wisdom, dynamic
Composed of hire and head. Looking by turning head.
hold back(also: withdraw, draw in, refrain from)
kou · nature
step back(also: instead, on the contrary, rather)
kyaku
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for back?
The most common kanji for "back" is 裏, read as ri. It means back, amidst, in. Related kanji: 後 (back), 背 (back, go back on), 遅 (back), 后 (back), 還 (send back), 顧 (look back) and more.
How many strokes does 裏 have?
裏 has 13 strokes.