後ろ

うしろ

back, behind, rear

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"後ろ" (うしろ) primarily means "back" or "behind" and is used to indicate the position behind a person, object, or place. It is a common spatial noun used in everyday conversation.

Common Collocations

  • 後ろに (うしろに): "behind" – used to specify the location behind something or someone.
  • 後ろから (うしろから): "from behind" – often used to describe movement or sounds coming from the back.
  • 後ろの (うしろの): "the back of" – used to describe the rear part of an object or place.

Usage Notes

"後ろ" is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often appears with particles like に or から to indicate direction or origin. Learners sometimes confuse "後ろ" with "裏" (うら), which also means "back" but usually refers to the reverse side or hidden part of something, whereas "後ろ" refers to spatial position behind.

Practical Tips

When using "後ろ," think about physical positioning behind someone or something. It is frequently used in daily life, such as describing where people stand, where objects are placed, or where sounds come from. Using it with particles like に or から will help specify the exact spatial relationship.

Example Sentences

かれはわたしのうしろにたっています。

He is standing behind me.

うしろのドアをしめてください。

Please close the back door.

うしろからこえがきこえた。

I heard a voice from behind.