뒤에
dwi-e
The English phrase 'behind' translates to Korean as 뒤에 (dwi-e).
뒤에 is used to describe a static position, meaning 'at the back of' or 'behind' a certain object or person.
Meaning: at the back of (prep)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 뒤, which means 'back' or 'rear' and the particle 에, which is added to indicate a location.
Which one should you use?
While 뒤에 indicates a static position, the form 뒤에서 is used when an action occurs behind something, such as hiding behind an object. Additionally, 뒤쪽 is a different term used to indicate a backside or a general rear area.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 에 turns the noun 뒤 into a location-based phrase meaning 'at the back of'. If you are describing an action taking place in that location, you should use 뒤에서 instead.
How do you pronounce it?
dwi-e
Did you know?
- The expression 뒤통수를 치다, which literally means 'to hit the back of the head', is a common idiom for betraying someone's trust.
- The phrase 뒤집다 means 'to flip over' or 'to turn inside out', using the root 뒤 to indicate a reversal of position.
- In Korean culture, the word 뒤 can be used to describe a 'backstage' area or the hidden side of a situation. For example, 뒤에서 can imply doing something secretly or underhandedly.
Examples in context
- 난 네 뒤에 있어.I'm behind you.This sentence shows how to express being in a static position behind someone using 뒤에.Tatoeba #11156750 by Eunhee, translation #6626911 by Schuager
- 그는 큰 바위 뒤에 숨었다.He hid himself behind a large rock.This sentence illustrates a situation where an action is performed behind an object, though the example uses 뒤에.Tatoeba #5383613 by rainbow4us, translation #288235 by CK
- 그림이 벽 뒤에 있어요.The picture is behind the wall.
- 저 사람 뒤에 서보세요.Stand behind that person.
- 도서관 뒤쪽에 주차장이 있습니다.There is a parking lot behind the library.
- 비행기가 뒤쪽에 있어요.The airplane is at the rear.
- 네 뒤에 사람이 있는 것 같아.It looks like there's someone behind you.
- 고양이가 문 뒤에 있어요The cat is behind the door
- 은행 뒤에 식당이 있어요.eunhaeng dwie sikdang-i isseoyo.There is a restaurant behind the bank.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are looking for a specific restaurant in the city.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 식당이 어디에 있어요?Ji-hun ssi, sikdang-i eodie isseoyo?Ji-hoon, where is the restaurant?
- 지훈 Ji-hun저기 큰 건물 뒤에 있어요.Jeogi keun geonmul dwie isseoyo.It is behind that large building over there.
- 지은 Ji-eun아, 저 건물 뒤에 있군요!A, jeo geonmul dwie itgun-yo!Ah, it is behind that building!
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 빨리 가요.Ne, ppalli gayo.Yes, let's go quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “behind” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
