Definition
背 (bèi) is the body's back (noun) or to recite from memory (verb). As a noun, it contrasts with 后面 (hòu miàn) 'behind, back side' — 背 is the human back, while 后面 is a position behind something. As a verb, it means 'to memorize aloud', distinct from 支持 (zhī chí) 'to support, back someone up'.
noun
back (of the body)
verb
to recite from memory
Easily confused
- 乘chénglook-aliketo ride (a vehicle), to mount
- 被bèisound-alike(preposition) used to mark passive voice, placed before the doer (or directly before the verb if the doer is omitted)
- 乖guāilook-alike(of a child or pet) well-behaved, obedient
- 倍bèisound-alike(classifier) times, -fold (indicates multiplier after a number)
- 北běilook-alikenorth
- 备bèisound-aliketo prepare; to equip
- 碑bēisound-alikestele; stone tablet; monument
Examples
- 背。Tā de bèi hěn téng.His back hurts a lot.
- 背？Nǐ néng bèi chū zhè shǒu shī ma?Can you recite this poem from memory?
- 背。Tā bèi duì zhe wǒ.He turned his back to me.
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