後 方(こうほう)

こうほう

noun

rear; behind; back

formaldirection

1. rear; behind; the back

The area or direction behind something or someone. A somewhat formal word for the space to the rear.

後方(こうほう)を確認(かくにん)する。

To check behind.

後方(こうほう)から救急車(きゅうきゅうしゃ)が近(ちか)づいてきた。

An ambulance was approaching from behind.

バスの後方(こうほう)の席(せき)に座(すわ)ったら、揺(ゆ)れがひどかった。

When I sat in the seats at the back of the bus, the shaking was terrible.

後方(こうほう) means the rear or the area behind. More formal than 後(うし)ろ, often used in driving, military, and public announcement contexts.

Common collocations

後方(こうほう)確認(かくにん): rear check (driving)
後方(こうほう)支援(しえん): rear support, logistics (military)
後方(こうほう)から: from behind
後方(こうほう)注意(ちゅうい): watch your back

Similar words

前方(ぜんぽう): the front, ahead (opposite)
後(うし)ろ: behind (everyday, casual)
後方(こうほう): behind (formal, technical)

Watch out

広報(こうほう) (public relations) has the same pronunciation but completely different meaning and kanji.

Related Words

Antonym: 前方(ぜんぽう) (the front, ahead)

Compare: 後(うし)ろ (behind)

Compare: 先頭(せんとう) (head, lead, front)

Compare: 後列(こうれつ) (back row)

Compare: 背面(はいめん) (back side)

Compare: 最後尾(さいごび) (tail end)

general

Added 2026.3.24 19:02 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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