背 中(せなか)

せなか

noun

back (of body)

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.

背中(せなか)が痒(かゆ)いです。

My back is itchy.

背中(せなか)を向(む)けないでください。

Please don't turn your back to me.

子供(こども)の背中(せなか)を押(お)しました。

I pushed the child's back (gave them a push/encouragement).

Can mean literal pushing or figurative encouragement

背中(せなか)が痛(いた)いです。

My back hurts.

背中(せなか)に何(なに)か付(つ)いていますよ。

There's something on your back.

背中(せなか) refers specifically to the back of the human body, from shoulders to waist. It differs from 背(せ) which can mean height or the back more generally.

Common expressions

背中(せなか)が痛(いた)い: my back hurts
背中(せなか)を向(む)ける: to turn one's back (on someone)
背中(せなか)を押(お)す: to push someone's back; to encourage someone
背中(せなか)を見(み)せる: to show one's back; to set an example

背中(せなか)を押(お)す is often used figuratively to mean "to give someone encouragement" or "to give someone the push they need."

Related body parts

腰(こし): lower back, waist
肩(かた): shoulder
背骨(せぼね): spine

Related Words

Compare: 背(せ) (back; height (broader term))

Related: 腰(こし) (lower back, waist)

Related: 肩(かた) (shoulder)

Related: 背骨(せぼね) (spine)

Compare: お腹(なか) (stomach, belly (front side))

basic

Added 2026.1.7 21:32 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29

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