1.
turning back, going back, retracing one's steps
Physically going back the way one came. Returning to a previous location along the same path.
ここからは後戻りできない。
We can't turn back from here.
道を間違えて、後戻りした。
I took the wrong road and turned back.
山道の途中で天気が崩れ、後戻りを余儀なくされた。
The weather deteriorated partway up the mountain trail, and we were forced to turn back.
2.
regression, reversal, setback
Figuratively returning to a previous state or losing progress that had been made. Often used for situations, reforms, or personal development.
改革に後戻りはない。
There is no turning back on the reforms.
せっかくの進歩が後戻りしてしまった。
The progress we had made regressed.
社会が戦前の状態に後戻りすることがあってはならない。
We must not allow society to regress to its prewar state.
USAGE:
Often used in negative constructions like 後戻りできない (cannot turn back) or 後戻りはない (there is no going back) to express resolve or irreversibility.
GRAMMAR:
Functions as both a noun and a する verb. As a noun, often used with particles like に or を.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 後戻りできない: cannot turn back
- 後戻りする: to go back, to regress
- 後戻りを余儀なくされる: to be forced to turn back