背
Meanings
1
Refers to a person's physical height or stature. Often used in formal or written contexts. Compare with 身長 (しんちょう), which is the common everyday word for height.
See also: 背 (せ)
He is tall.
This tree is short in stature.
Usage patterns
- 背が高いto be tall
- 背が低いto be short (in height)
She is short.
- 背が伸びるto grow taller
The child grew a lot taller.
- 背を測るto measure someone's height
I had my height measured at the hospital.
Expressions
- どんぐりの背比べmuch of a muchness; all alike; no significant difference