Translation guide
The English word "rear" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: the back part of something, the buttocks, and the verb meaning to raise or bring up. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Referring to the back side or area of an object, vehicle, building, etc.
General word for 'back' or 'behind'. Used for the rear of cars, buildings, people, etc.
Please don't stand behind the car.
There is a small garden at the rear of the house.
Formal or technical term for 'rear part', often used in written descriptions or specifications.
Please load the luggage in the rear of the vehicle.
Means 'rear direction' or 'backward area'. Often used in navigation or military contexts.
Enemy aircraft spotted to the rear.
Refers to the back surface of an object, like the back of a device or a piece of furniture.
There are connection terminals on the rear of the TV.
Informal or euphemistic term for the buttocks.
The most common and polite word for buttocks. Used in everyday conversation, with children, and in health contexts.
Wipe the baby's bottom.
My rear hurts.
Plain form of 'buttocks'. Can be slightly crude or direct. Used in compounds and idioms.
Medical/anatomical term for the buttocks.
Very informal, sometimes vulgar slang for buttocks. Use with caution.
Avoid in polite conversation.
The verb meaning to care for and educate a child or young animal until adulthood.
General verb for raising children, animals, or plants. Transitive.
She reared three children.
Formal term for rearing or bringing up, often used in legal or social welfare contexts.
There is a duty to rear children.
Literary or poetic word for nurturing, fostering. Often used for love, talent, or nature.
When a horse stands on its hind legs.
後ろ (うしろ) is the everyday word for 'back/rear'. 後部 (こうぶ) is more formal and often used for vehicles or machines. 後方 (こうほう) emphasizes direction or area behind something, common in navigation or military contexts.
The verb 'rear' is often translated as 育てる (そだてる), which also means 'to raise'. However, 育てる is used for children, animals, and plants. For raising objects or lifting, use 上げる (あげる) or 持ち上げる (もちあげる).
He's slow to act. (lit. heavy rear)
I'll give you an injection in the buttock.
He's got a big butt.
I reared this dog from a puppy.
親の愛情が子供の心を育む。
Parental love nurtures a child's heart.
The horse suddenly reared.