Translation guide
The English word "behind" has several distinct meanings. It can refer to physical location at the back of something, being late or delayed, being the cause or support for something, or being less advanced. This guide breaks down these uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
Describing something that is physically at the back of or to the rear of something else.
The most common and neutral word for 'behind' as a location. Used for people, objects, and abstract positions.
He is standing behind me.
There is a garden behind the house.
More formal or technical term for 'rear' or 'behind'. Often used in written language or official contexts.
Please be careful of the rear.
Refers to the back side of something, like a building or a piece of paper. Often implies the opposite side or hidden side.
There is a parking lot behind the building.
Please write on the back of the paper.
Literary or formal word for 'behind', often used in abstract or figurative senses as well.
I felt a presence behind me.
Indicating that someone or something is not on time, or is behind schedule.
The standard verb for 'to be late' or 'to fall behind schedule'. Can be used for people, trains, work, etc.
The train is 10 minutes behind schedule.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to fall behind' in a competitive sense or in progress.
Te-form of 遅れる used as a state, meaning 'is behind'.
He is behind the other students in the class.
Indicating the reason, person, or thing that is responsible for something, often in a hidden or supportive role.
Used to mean 'behind the scenes' or 'there is something behind it', implying a hidden cause or influence.
There is a big conspiracy behind this incident.
Behind his success was the support of his family.
Similar to 裏に, but slightly more formal. Often used for people or organizations pulling strings.
Means 'behind one's back' or 'in secret', often with a negative connotation.
He talks behind people's backs.
Describing a state of being less advanced, less developed, or inferior in some quality.
English uses 'behind' as a preposition in many contexts. In Japanese, the equivalent is often a noun plus a particle (e.g., 後ろに, 裏に). Do not try to translate 'behind' as a single word; instead, use the appropriate noun + に or で.
後ろ (うしろ) refers to the space behind something, while 裏 (うら) refers to the back surface or hidden side. For example, 家の後ろ means the area behind the house, while 家の裏 means the back of the house itself (the rear wall or back entrance).
He is always behind with his work.
他社に遅れをとっている。
We are falling behind our competitors.
He has a powerful backer behind him.