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.
車の後ろに立たないでください。
Please don't stand behind the car.
家の後ろに小さな庭があります。
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.
車両の後部に荷物を積んでください。
Please load the luggage in the rear of the vehicle.
Means 'rear direction' or 'backward area'. Often used in navigation or military contexts.
後方に敵機を確認。
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.
テレビの背面に接続端子があります。
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.
赤ちゃんのお尻をふいてあげて。
Wipe the baby's bottom.
お尻が痛い。
My rear hurts.
Plain form of 'buttocks'. Can be slightly crude or direct. Used in compounds and idioms.
尻が重い。
He's slow to act. (lit. heavy rear)
Medical/anatomical term for the buttocks.
Very informal, sometimes vulgar slang for buttocks. Use with caution.
Avoid in polite conversation.
ケツがでかい。
He's got a big butt.
The verb meaning to care for and educate a child or young animal until adulthood.
General verb for raising children, animals, or plants. Transitive.
彼女は三人の子供を育てた。
She reared three children.
この犬は私が子犬から育てました。
I reared this dog from a puppy.
Formal term for rearing or bringing up, often used in legal or social welfare contexts.
子供を養育する義務がある。
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.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'to stand on hind legs'.
馬が驚いて後ろ足で立った。
The horse reared in fright.
General verb for 'to stand up', can be used for horses rearing if context is clear.
馬が急に立ち上がった。
The horse suddenly reared.
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).
I'll give you an injection in the buttock.
親の愛情が子供の心を育む。
Parental love nurtures a child's heart.