背: the kanji for back; height
背 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means back; height. Below are its readings, 2 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
背 is written in 9 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
背 has 5 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 2 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ハイ (hai)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 背景はいけい · haikei | background |
せ (se)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 背せ · se | back; height |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この事件には複雑な背景がある。Kono jiken ni wa fukuzatsu na haikei ga aru.This incident has a complicated background.
- 彼は背が高いです。Kare wa se ga takai desu.He is tall.
- この決定の背景を説明します。Kono kettei no haikei o setsumei shimasu.I will explain the background of this decision.
- 息子は背が伸びてきた。Musuko wa se ga nobite kita.My son's height has been growing.
- 写真の背景に山が写っている。Shashin no haikei ni yama ga utsutte iru.A mountain is visible in the background of the photo.
Questions about 背
How many strokes does 背 have?
背 is written in 9 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 背?
The on readings are hai (ハイ). The kun readings are se (せ), sei (せい), somuku (そむく), somukeru (そむける).
What JLPT level is 背?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Body and health
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 背
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.