Learning how to say “behind” in Chinese can be quite useful when you’re trying to give directions or describe locations. In this guide, we’ll explore the various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced learner, we’ll provide you with tips and examples to master this essential vocabulary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Behind” in Chinese
When it comes to formal or standard Mandarin, the most common translation for “behind” is “在…后面” (zài… hòumiàn). Here, you can replace “…” with a specific location or object to indicate what is behind. For instance:
Example: 那个女孩在房子后面。(Nàgè nǚhái zài fángzi hòumiàn.) – That girl is behind the house.
This formal expression is widely understood throughout Chinese-speaking regions, making it suitable for most situations. However, it’s essential to note that there are also informal ways to say “behind” that can vary across regions.
Informal Ways to Say “Behind” in Chinese
Beijing Dialect
In Beijing, the local dialect has its own informal way of expressing “behind.” Instead of using “在…后面” (zài… hòumiàn), the term “跟前” (gēnqián) is commonly used. Let’s take a look at an example:
Example: 那个店在银行跟前。(Nàgè diàn zài yínháng gēnqián.) – That shop is behind the bank.
While this term may be less familiar to non-Beijing natives, it’s still important to know when visiting or communicating with people from this region.
Taiwanese Mandarin
In Taiwanese Mandarin, another form of informal expression for “behind” is “後面咧” (hòumiàn li). The addition of “咧” (li) at the end of the phrase gives it a more colloquial feel. Here’s an example:
Example: 那個車子在樹後面咧。(Nā ge chēzi zài shù hòumiàn li.) – The car is behind the tree.
Taiwanese Mandarin speakers often use this expression in daily conversations, allowing for a more informal and relaxed tone.
Tips for Learning and Using “Behind” in Chinese
- To improve your grasp of the term “behind,” practice using it in various sentences.
- Listen to native Chinese speakers through language exchange, audio materials, or videos to become accustomed to natural pronunciation and intonation.
- Learn the difference between formal and informal expressions to adapt your language use to different contexts.
- Practice describing locations using “behind” to enhance your overall Chinese language skills.
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary for “behind” in Chinese is essential for effective communication and understanding directions. Remember the formal expression “在…后面” (zài… hòumiàn) for standard Mandarin, while being aware of informal alternatives like “跟前” (gēnqián) in Beijing dialect and “後面咧” (hòumiàn li) in Taiwanese Mandarin. By following these tips and practicing with examples, you’ll gradually improve your ability to express the concept of “behind” in Chinese confidently.
