後ろ
ushiro[ɯ̟ɕiɾo̞]
The English phrase "behind" is translated into Japanese as 後ろ (ushiro).
後ろ is used to describe both a physical position (behind a building) and a relative position in a sequence (behind someone in line). To express the idea of being behind something, you can use the phrase うしろ に いる. If you want to describe something being located at the back or towards the rear, you may use the expression 奥 の 方 に.
Meaning: at the back of (prep)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 後ろ as a preposition to indicate a location, the particle に is typically added to form 後ろに.
How do you pronounce it?
ushiro
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the space 後ろ is often associated with spiritual vulnerability, as some beliefs suggest ghosts or spirits approach a person from behind.
- The word 後ろ may be etymologically linked to the concept of something being 'lost' or 'out of sight', stemming from the old verb 'usu' meaning 'to lose'.
- While 後ろ refers to the physical rear, the word 後 can refer to both the physical back and the future, as in 'later'.
Examples in context
- 後ろを見ろ。Look behind you.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 後ろ.Tatoeba #174302 by bunbuku, translation #433623 by CK
- 後ろにいてね。Stay behind me.Tatoeba #8571206 by small_snow, translation #2250004 by CK
- 木の後ろだよ。I'm behind the tree.Tatoeba #11065770 by small_snow, translation #10099836 by sundown
- あなたの後ろに座ります。I will sit behind you.
- 本が机の奥の方にあります。The book is at the back of the desk.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A girl is looking for her lost bag in a park.
- 陽葵 Himari私のバッグ、どこにあるかな？Watashi no baggu, doko ni aru kana?I wonder where my bag is?
- 蓮 Renあのベンチの後ろにあるよ。Ano benchi no ushiro ni aru yo.It is behind that bench.
- 陽葵 Himariあ、本当だ！ありがとう。A, hontou da! Arigatou.Oh, you're right! Thank you.
- 蓮 Renよかったね、陽葵さん。Yokatta ne, Himari-san.I'm glad, Himari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 後ろ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 後ろ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
