Meaning and Usage
The verb 背く (そむく) means "to go against," "to run counter to," or "to betray." It is often used when someone acts contrary to rules, promises, expectations, or laws. The nuance often implies a deliberate or significant breach, such as breaking a promise or disobeying authority.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 背く used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal matters, moral expectations, or personal commitments. It is less common in casual speech but important for expressing strong opposition or betrayal.
Collocations and Patterns
- 約束に背く (やくそくにそむく): to break a promise
- 期待に背く (きたいにそむく): to go against expectations
- 法律に背く (ほうりつにそむく): to violate the law
These phrases emphasize the object or principle that is being opposed or betrayed.
Register and Nuance
背く is a somewhat formal verb and often appears in written language or serious conversations. It carries a negative connotation, implying disloyalty or wrongdoing.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 背く with similar verbs like 反する (はんする), which also means "to oppose" or "to contradict." 背く often implies a personal or moral betrayal, while 反する is more neutral and used for factual contradictions. Remember to use 背く when emphasizing a breach of trust or expectation.