Definitions

bēi (verb) to carry on the back; to carry on shoulders
bèi (noun) back (of body or object)
bèi (verb) to turn one's back; to hide from
bèi (verb) to memorize; to learn by heart

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. ⺼ represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "背" is etymologically a phono-semantic compound, integrating the semantic component "肉" in its form of "月" to signify a bodily association, while the component "北" primarily indicates its pronunciation. Its original denotation was the physical back of the human body, from which several verbal and abstract meanings later emerged. The action of turning the back naturally led to senses such as to turn away from, to betray, or to disobey, while the practice of reciting texts without visual aid, often with the back turned, extended its meaning to include memorization and recitation. The character's structural composition of "北" and "月" has been maintained in its standard orthography.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的后很疼。

Wǒ de hòubèi hěn téng.

My back hurts a lot.

着一个包。

Tā bèi shang bēi zhe yīgè bēibāo.

He is carrying a backpack on his back.

请你诵这首诗。

Qǐng nǐ bèisòng zhè shǒu shī.

Please recite this poem.

这幅画的景很美。

Zhè fú huà de bèijǐng hěn měi.

The background of this painting is very beautiful.

他永远不会叛朋友。

Tā yǒngyuǎn bù huì bèipàn péngyǒu.

He will never betray his friends.

这次事故,他来黑锅。

Zhè cì shìgù, tā lái bēi hēiguō.

He will be the scapegoat for this accident.

你的行为和你的承诺道而驰。

Nǐ de xíngwéi hé nǐ de chéngnuò bèidào'érchí.

Your actions run counter to your promises.

对着窗户,陷入了沉思。

Tā bèi duì zhe chuānghù, xiànrùle chénsī.

He turned his back to the window, lost in thought.