1.
backrest, back of a chair or seat
The part of a chair, sofa, or seat that supports the sitter's back. A common everyday word for furniture and seating.
背もたれに寄りかかった。
I leaned back against the backrest.
背もたれ is a common everyday word for the part of a chair or seat that supports the sitter's back.
Forms
背 (back) + もたれ (leaning, from 凭れる, to lean against). Literally "something to lean one's back on."
Common collocations
- 背もたれに寄りかかる: to lean against the backrest
- 背もたれの高い椅子: a chair with a tall back
- 背もたれを倒す: to recline the backrest
- 背もたれの角度: the angle of the backrest
- 背もたれを調整する: to adjust the backrest
Usage
Used for chairs, car seats, airplane seats, and any seating with back support. The word applies regardless of whether the backrest is fixed or adjustable.