Translation guide
How to express the physical action of leaning back, reclining, or tilting backward in Japanese.
Describing the act of tilting one's torso backward, often while seated or standing.
Literally 'fall backward', but commonly used for leaning back heavily or reclining. Can imply a sudden or relaxed motion depending on context.
彼は椅子ごと後ろに倒れた。
He leaned back in his chair and fell over.
Adjusting a seat to tilt backward, like in a car or airplane.
Standard way to say 'recline the seat'. Used for car seats, airplane seats, etc.
飛行機でシートを倒してもいいですか？
May I recline my seat on the plane?
Relaxed, informal posture of leaning back in a chair.
The English phrase 'lean back' does not have a single direct equivalent. Choose the expression based on the specific action and nuance.
More deliberate: 'tilt one's back backward'. Used when consciously leaning back, e.g., in exercise or stretching.
ストレッチで背を後ろに倒す。
Lean your back backward during the stretch.
To bend backward, often suddenly or dramatically. Can be used for dodging, laughing, or leaning back in surprise.
彼は大笑いしてのけぞった。
He leaned back with a roar of laughter.
To lean back against something for support. Emphasizes resting on a backrest or wall.
ソファに後ろにもたれてリラックスした。
I leaned back against the sofa and relaxed.
Specifically 'tilt the backrest'. More precise than シートを倒す.
背もたれを倒して寝た。
I reclined the backrest and slept.
To lean back arrogantly or with an air of superiority. Often negative nuance, like 'lording it over'.
彼は会議でふんぞり返っていた。
He was leaning back arrogantly in the meeting.
To lean back heavily against a chair. Neutral, descriptive.
疲れて椅子にもたれかかった。
Exhausted, I leaned back in my chair.