1.
back (of the body)
The rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the waist. Used for physical descriptions and back-related expressions.
I pushed the child's back (gave them a push/encouragement).
Can mean literal pushing or figurative encouragement
背中 refers specifically to the back of the human body, from shoulders to waist. It differs from 背 which can mean height or the back more generally.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 背中が痛い: my back hurts
- 背中を向ける: to turn one's back (on someone)
- 背中を押す: to push someone's back; to encourage someone
- 背中を見せる: to show one's back; to set an example
IDIOMATIC USES:
背中を押す is often used figuratively to mean "to give someone encouragement" or "to give someone the push they need."
RELATED BODY PARTS:
- 腰: lower back, waist
- 肩: shoulder
- 背骨: spine