Translation guide
The English word "back" has many meanings. This guide covers the most useful ones for learners: body part, rear position, return, support, and more. Japanese uses different words depending on the meaning.
The rear surface of the human body from shoulders to hips.
The side or part that is behind or opposite the front.
General word for behind, back, rear. Used for spatial position.
To go back, come back, or put something back.
Intransitive verb: to return, go back (oneself).
To support a person, idea, or project.
To support, back (a project, person, cause). Formal.
Referring to a past time.
Use [time period] + 前 to mean "... ago" or "... back".
The last part or end of something.
Back of a line, queue, or physical sequence.
To pay back money or get back at someone.
To return, give back, pay back (money, object).
The loanword バック (bakku) means 'back' as in background, backing up, or reverse, but not the body part. Use 背中 for the body.
My back hurts.
後ろ is general 'behind'. 裏 is the reverse side of a flat object or hidden side. 奥 is the inner back of a space. Choose based on what kind of 'back' you mean.
He is tall. (lit. back is high)
He is standing behind the car.
Look behind you.
Back side of a flat object (paper, card, cloth) or the reverse side. Also used for back streets or the hidden side.
Please write on the back of the paper.
Enter through the back door.
Back or inner part of a room, building, or area. Not for objects.
I sat in the back of the store.
Go back home.
It returned to its original state.
Transitive verb: to put back, return something.
Please put the book back on the shelf.
To go back home or to one's base. Implies returning to where one belongs.
I have to go back (home) now.
Used in phrases like 折り返し電話する (call back) or 折り返し連絡する (get back to someone).
I'll call you back.
I back his plan.
To support, endorse (an opinion, person, political party).
I back that policy.
To give a push from behind, to back up, support. More figurative.
My friends backed me up.
I came to Japan three years back.
Long ago, back in the day.
Back in the day, there was a shop here.
Please line up at the back of the line.
The very end, last part (of a book, event, etc.).
The answers are in the back of the book.
Colophon, back matter of a book (publishing info).
I checked the publication date on the back of the book.
Pay back borrowed money.
To get back at someone, take revenge.
I'll get back at him.
Back off!
Casual command to move back.