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پیچھے

A1 preposition 11 min read

پیچھے

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips پیچھے in 30 Seconds

Explanation پیچھے in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Peeche' is taught primarily as a spatial preposition to describe where things are. Learners focus on the most basic physical meaning: 'behind.' You will use it to describe the location of common objects, such as 'The book is behind the bag' (Kitab baste ke peeche hai). The goal at this level is to master the 'Noun + ke + peeche' structure. You also learn it as a simple command for direction, like 'Peeche dekho' (Look behind) or 'Peeche hato' (Move back). It is one of the essential 'position words' alongside 'aagay' (front), 'uupar' (up), and 'neeche' (down). Learners should be able to answer 'Kahan?' (Where?) questions using 'Peeche.' For example, 'Where is the cat?' - 'Billi darwaze ke peeche hai.' This level avoids complex idioms and focuses on concrete, visible relationships in space.

At the A2 level, learners expand the use of 'Peeche' to include simple temporal sequences and basic movement. You start to use it with verbs like 'aana' (to come) and 'jaana' (to go) to describe following someone: 'Mere peeche aao' (Follow me). You also begin to understand its use in describing the 'back' of something, like the 'back seat' of a car (Peeche wali seat) or the 'back page' of a book (Peeche wala safha). The distinction between 'Peeche' (behind) and 'Pehle' (before/ago) becomes clearer through practice. A2 learners might also encounter the word in simple social contexts, like being 'behind' in a game or a simple task. The focus remains on clear, literal meanings, but the range of nouns it attaches to increases, moving from furniture to people and vehicles.

At the B1 level, 'Peeche' begins to take on metaphorical and idiomatic meanings. One of the most important additions is the phrase 'Peeche parna' (to be after someone or to persist). A B1 learner should understand that 'Woh mere peeche par gaya hai' means someone is nagging or constantly following them, not necessarily standing physically behind them. You also use 'Peeche' to describe lagging in more abstract terms, like 'Parhai mein peeche' (behind in studies) or 'Kaam mein peeche' (behind in work). You start to see it used in news reports to describe the 'reason' behind an event: 'Is ke peeche kya wajah hai?' (What is the reason behind this?). The use of reduplication, 'Peeche-peeche' (following closely), also becomes a part of the learner's active vocabulary.

At the B2 level, 'Peeche' is used with more nuance in professional and social discussions. You can use it to describe backing out of commitments: 'Apne waade se peeche hatna' (to back out of a promise). You understand its role in complex sentence structures where it acts as a causal link. B2 learners should be comfortable using 'Peeche' in various registers, knowing when to use it versus more formal alternatives like 'Aqab.' You also encounter it in more complex literature and media, where it might describe a 'backstory' or the 'hidden forces' in a political situation. Your ability to use 'Peeche' to describe support—'Main tumhare peeche khara hoon' (I've got your back)—becomes more natural and contextually appropriate.

At the C1 level, the learner explores the literary and historical depth of 'Peeche.' You start to encounter synonyms like 'Aqab' and 'Pas' more frequently and can distinguish the subtle stylistic differences between them. You understand the use of 'Peeche' in classical Urdu poetry, where it often symbolizes the past, regret, or the haunting nature of memories. You can use 'Peeche' to discuss complex sociological or psychological concepts, such as the factors 'behind' a societal shift or the trauma 'left behind' by an event. Your use of the word is no longer just about position; it is about history, causality, and legacy. You can also handle complex idiomatic expressions and puns involving the word in sophisticated conversation.

At the C2 level, 'Peeche' is used with total native-like mastery, including its most subtle and archaic applications. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level academic writing, legal contexts (where 'Aqab' might be used for 'rear'), and philosophical debates. You understand how 'Peeche' functions in various regional dialects of Urdu and how its meaning might slightly shift in Punjabi-influenced or Hyderabadi Urdu. You can interpret deep metaphorical uses in Sufi poetry, where 'Peeche' might refer to the world of shadows versus the world of light. For a C2 speaker, 'Peeche' is a tool for precision, used to navigate the finest details of space, time, and human motivation with ease and elegance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

پیچھے in 30 Seconds

Peeche means 'behind' or 'at the back'.
It requires the 'ke' connector when used with nouns.
It can mean 'ago' in specific temporal contexts.
It is used idiomatically to mean 'nagging' or 'following'.

The Urdu word پیچھے (Peeche) is a versatile preposition and adverb that primarily translates to 'behind,' 'back,' or 'ago' in English. At its core, it describes a spatial relationship where one object is situated at the rear or the far side of another. However, its utility in Urdu extends far beyond simple physical positioning. In a spatial context, you will use it to describe everything from a car parked behind a building to a person standing in a queue behind you. The beauty of 'Peeche' lies in its ability to adapt to different grammatical structures, often requiring the possessive marker 'ke' (کے) to function as a postposition, as in 'Ghar ke peeche' (Behind the house).

Physical Space: Used to denote the rear position of an object or person relative to a reference point. It is the direct opposite of 'Aagay' (In front).

وہ دیوار کے پیچھے چھپا ہوا ہے۔ (He is hidden behind the wall.)

Beyond the physical, 'Peeche' is essential for discussing time. When used with time markers, it signifies 'ago' or 'past.' For instance, 'Do saal peeche' can colloquially refer to two years ago, although 'pehle' is more common for 'ago,' 'peeche' is used in specific narrative contexts to look back at previous events. It also carries a metaphorical weight, signifying a lack of progress or being 'left behind' in a race, career, or educational pursuit. If someone says 'Main parhai mein peeche hoon,' they mean they are lagging in their studies. In social dynamics, 'Peeche parna' is a common idiom meaning to persist or nag someone. For example, 'Woh mere peeche par gaya hai' means 'He is constantly after me' or 'He won't leave me alone.' This highlights the word's transition from a simple spatial indicator to a descriptor of behavioral persistence.

Directional Movement: When used with verbs of motion like 'dekhna' (to look), it means to look back. 'Peeche dekho' means 'Look behind you.'

اپنے پیچھے مڑ کر مت دیکھو۔ (Do not turn around and look behind.)

In the context of order or sequence, 'Peeche' indicates the subsequent position. If you are 'Peeche' in a line, you are further from the front. This is crucial for navigating daily life in Urdu-speaking regions, whether you are at a ticket counter or in traffic. Furthermore, 'Peeche' is used to describe the 'reason' or 'motivation' behind an action, similar to the English phrase 'What is behind this decision?' In Urdu, you would ask, 'Is ke peeche kya wajah hai?' (What is the reason behind this?). This abstract usage is common in formal discussions and news reporting.

Support and Backing: It can also imply support. 'Main tumhare peeche khara hoon' means 'I am standing behind you,' implying 'I have your back.'

اس منصوبے کے پیچھے بہت محنت ہے۔ (There is a lot of hard work behind this project.)

Ultimately, mastering 'Peeche' involves understanding its role as a physical marker, a temporal indicator, a signifier of progress, and a tool for idiomatic expression. It is a foundational word for any A1 learner, providing the necessary vocabulary to describe the world in three dimensions and narrate events in a sequence.

Using 'Peeche' correctly in Urdu requires an understanding of the postpositional structure. Unlike English, where 'behind' comes before the noun, 'Peeche' comes after the noun and is almost always preceded by the oblique marker 'ke' (کے). This creates the standard formula: [Noun] + کے + پیچھے. For example, 'The cat is behind the door' becomes 'Billi darwaze ke peeche hai.'

The 'Ke' Connection: In Urdu, spatial words like 'peeche', 'aagay' (front), and 'uupar' (above) require the 'ke' particle. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.

کرسی کے پیچھے کیا ہے؟ (What is behind the chair?)

When using 'Peeche' as an adverb of direction, the 'ke' is often dropped. For instance, if you want to tell someone to 'move back,' you would say 'Peeche hato.' Here, it describes the direction of the movement rather than a relationship to another object. This distinction is vital for learners. Another common sentence pattern involves the verb 'Chhorna' (to leave). 'Peeche chhorna' means to leave something behind, whether it is a physical object or a metaphorical past. 'Main ne apna bag ghar peeche chhor diya' (I left my bag behind at home). This is a frequent construction in travel and daily routines.

Temporal Usage: While 'pehle' is standard for 'ago,' 'peeche' is used when looking back in a sequence. 'Peeche mud kar dekhna' (looking back at the past).

وہ مجھ سے دو قدم پیچھے چل رہا تھا۔ (He was walking two steps behind me.)

In more complex sentences, 'Peeche' can indicate the cause of an event. 'Is larayi ke peeche purani dushmani hai' (Behind this fight is an old enmity). Here, it functions to explain the underlying reason. This is a very common way to structure investigative or explanatory thoughts in Urdu. For advanced usage, 'Peeche-peeche' (doubling the word) implies 'closely following.' 'Bacha maa ke peeche-peeche gaya' (The child went right after/behind the mother). This reduplication is a common feature in Urdu to emphasize proximity or continuous action.

Social Context: In a queue, you might ask, 'Mere peeche kaun hai?' (Who is behind me?) to establish order.

گاڑی کے پیچھے مت کھڑے ہوں۔ (Do not stand behind the car.)

Lastly, the word is used in the context of 'backing out' of a promise. 'Apne waade se peeche hatna' (to back out of one's promise). This shows the versatility of 'Peeche' in describing not just physical space, but moral and ethical commitments. By understanding these patterns—the 'ke' connector, the adverbial movement, the causal link, and the reduplication—you can use 'Peeche' with the fluency of a native speaker.

In the bustling streets of Lahore, Karachi, or Delhi, 'Peeche' is a word that rings out constantly. Perhaps the most frequent place you will hear it is in traffic. Drivers and conductors on public buses often shout 'Peeche hato!' (Move back!) or 'Peeche jagah hai' (There is space in the back) to manage the crowds. If you are navigating a crowded bazaar, you might hear a porter with a heavy load shouting 'Peeche, peeche!' to clear a path. This immediate, practical usage is the heartbeat of the word.

Public Transport: Bus conductors use it to push passengers toward the rear of the bus. 'Bhai, peeche ho jayein!' (Brother, please move back!).

بس میں پیچھے بہت جگہ خالی ہے۔ (There is plenty of space empty in the back of the bus.)

In a domestic setting, parents often use 'Peeche' when talking to children. 'Mere peeche mat aao' (Don't follow me) or 'Khilona bed ke peeche hai' (The toy is behind the bed). It is one of the first spatial concepts a child learns. In schools, teachers might tell students to 'Peeche dekho' (Look at the back) or refer to 'Peeche wala safha' (The previous page or the back page). In the realm of entertainment, particularly in Bollywood or Lollywood movies, 'Peeche' appears in countless dramatic dialogues. A hero might say, 'Main tumhare peeche khara hoon' to show loyalty, or a villain might be described as being 'Peeche' (following) the protagonist. Urdu songs also use the word frequently to describe someone following their beloved or looking back at a lost love.

News and Media: Journalists use it to describe the 'hidden hands' or reasons behind political events. 'Is sazish ke peeche kaun hai?' (Who is behind this conspiracy?).

اس کامیابی کے پیچھے سالوں کی محنت ہے۔ (Behind this success is years of hard work.)

You will also hear it in sports commentary. If a team is 'Peeche' in a match, they are trailing in score. 'Pakistan abhi bees runs peeche hai' (Pakistan is currently twenty runs behind). This usage is universal in cricket, the most popular sport in the region. Finally, in religious or philosophical discourses, 'Peeche' is used to talk about the world left behind after death or the legacy left behind by great people. 'Apne peeche nek naam chhorna' (To leave a good name behind). Whether in the mundane noise of a market or the profound depth of a sermon, 'Peeche' is an omnipresent thread in the fabric of Urdu communication.

For English speakers learning Urdu, the most frequent mistake when using 'Peeche' is forgetting the 'ke' (کے) connector. Since 'behind' is a preposition in English that directly precedes the noun, learners often say 'Peeche darwaza' instead of 'Darwaze ke peeche.' This is a fundamental error because, in Urdu, the relationship between the noun and the position must be linked by a possessive marker.

The Missing 'Ke': Incorrect: 'Billi peeche chair hai.' Correct: 'Billi chair ke peeche hai.' Always ensure the 'ke' is present when 'peeche' acts as a postposition.

غلط: وہ میرے پیچھے ہے۔ (Correct usage: Woh mere peeche hai - but often learners say 'Woh peeche me' which is wrong.)

Another common confusion is between 'Peeche' and 'Baad' (After). While both can involve sequence, 'Peeche' is primarily spatial, and 'Baad' is primarily temporal. You wouldn't say 'Khane ke peeche' to mean 'After eating'; you must use 'Khane ke baad.' However, you can say 'Mere peeche aao' (Follow me/Come after me) in a spatial sense. Mixing these up can lead to sentences that sound very unnatural to native speakers. Confusion also arises with 'Pichle' (Previous). 'Pichle' is an adjective, whereas 'Peeche' is a preposition/adverb. You say 'Pichle hafte' (Last week), not 'Peeche hafte.' Using 'Peeche' as an adjective for 'last' or 'previous' is a common A1 error.

Pronunciation Errors: Learners sometimes mispronounce the 'ch' (چھ) sound, making it a simple 'ch' as in 'cheese' instead of the aspirated 'chh' sound. This can make the word sound like 'Pee-che' rather than 'Pee-chhe'.

صحیح تلفظ: پیچھے (Pee-chhe) - Focus on the breathy 'h' sound after the 'ch'.

In writing, the 'do-chashmi hay' (ھ) is often forgotten. Writing 'پیچے' instead of 'پیچھے' is a common spelling mistake. The aspirated 'chh' must be written with the specific 'che' and 'do-chashmi hay' combination. Lastly, learners often struggle with the metaphorical use of 'Peeche parna.' They might translate 'He is bothering me' literally instead of using the idiomatic 'Woh mere peeche par gaya hai.' Understanding that 'Peeche' can imply persistence is a key step toward B1/B2 level proficiency. By avoiding these pitfalls—the missing 'ke', the 'Baad' vs. 'Peeche' confusion, and the 'Pichle' adjective mix-up—you will speak much more clearly.

While 'Peeche' is the most common word for 'behind,' Urdu is rich with synonyms that vary based on formality, register, and specific context. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more sophisticated and precise.

Aqab (عقب): This is a formal, literary word for 'behind' or 'rear.' It is often used in military contexts (the rear of an army) or in high literature. 'Aqab mein' sounds much more formal than 'Peeche'.

دشمن نے عقب سے حملہ کیا۔ (The enemy attacked from the rear.)

Another alternative is 'Pas' (پس), which is Persian in origin. It is mostly used in compound words or very formal Urdu to mean 'behind' or 'after.' For example, 'Pas-e-manzar' (Background). You wouldn't use 'Peeche-manzar' in formal writing; 'Pas-e-manzar' is the correct term for the context of a story or a painting. When talking about being 'late' or 'behind schedule,' you might use 'Late' (borrowed from English) or 'Takhir' (Delay). 'Main peeche hoon' can mean you are lagging, but if you want to say the bus is late, you would say 'Bus late hai' or 'Bus mein takhir hai.'

Pichli Taraf (پچھلی طرف): This means 'on the back side.' It is more descriptive than just 'peeche.' If you are giving directions to a shop, you might say 'Gali ki pichli taraf' (On the back side of the street).

گھر کی پچھلی طرف ایک باغ ہے۔ (There is a garden on the back side of the house.)

In the context of following someone, 'Pairwi' (پیروی) is a formal word for 'following' someone's footsteps or teachings. While you can physically walk 'Peeche' someone, you 'Pairwi' their ideology. Lastly, 'Pichwaray' (پچھواڑے) is a colloquial, sometimes slightly crude or very informal term for the backyard or the rear area of a house. It is common in rural dialects but should be used carefully in polite city conversation. Understanding these nuances—from the formal 'Aqab' to the compound-forming 'Pas' and the descriptive 'Pichli taraf'—allows you to navigate different social settings in Urdu with confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'Peeche' is a cognate with the Persian 'Pas', both sharing ancient Indo-European roots that describe the direction 'behind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /piː.tʃʰeː/

US /piː.tʃʰeɪ/

The stress is slightly more on the first syllable 'Pee', but both syllables are clearly enunciated.

Rhymes With

Neeche (Down) Kheeche (Pull) Seeche (Irrigate) Bheeche (Squeeze) Bagheeche (Gardens) Meethe (Sweet - plural/oblique) Seete (Sewing) Jeete (Winning)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'Pee-chay' without the aspiration (h sound).
Saying 'Pee-she' (replacing ch with sh).
Shortening the first vowel to 'pi' as in 'pick'.
Confusing the final 'e' with an 'i' sound.
Forgetting the breathy quality of the 'chh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize the script.

Writing 2/5

Requires memory of the aspirated 'chh' and 'ye'.

Speaking 2/5

Aspiration on 'chh' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound, easy to hear in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Aagay (Front) Ke (Of/Possessive) Hai (Is) Ghar (House) Larkay (Boy)

Learn Next

Neeche (Down) Uupar (Up) Andar (Inside) Bahar (Outside) Pehle (Before)

Advanced

Aqab (Rear) Pas-e-manzar (Background) Pairwi (Following) Muta'aqib (Successive) Paspa (Retreat)

Grammar to Know

Postpositional Case

Nouns before 'peeche' take the oblique form (e.g., 'kamre' instead of 'kamra').

Possessive Linking

Always use 'ke' with nouns and possessive pronouns with 'peeche'.

Adverbial Use

When used alone as 'backwards', it doesn't need 'ke'.

Reduplication

Doubling 'peeche-peeche' emphasizes continuous following.

Adjectival Use

Adding 'wali' makes it an adjective (Peeche wali seat).

Examples by Level

وہ کرسی کے پیچھے ہے۔

He is behind the chair.

Uses 'ke peeche' as a postposition.

بتاؤ، تمہارے پیچھے کیا ہے؟

Tell me, what is behind you?

The pronoun 'tumhare' is in the possessive form.

باہر پیچھے دیکھو۔

Look behind outside.

Used as an adverb here.

گاڑی گھر کے پیچھے ہے۔

The car is behind the house.

Standard spatial usage.

میرے پیچھے آؤ۔

Follow me (Come behind me).

Imperative sentence.

کتاب بستے کے پیچھے پڑی ہے۔

The book is lying behind the bag.

Compound verb 'pari hai' with 'peeche'.

پیچھے ہٹو! راستہ دو۔

Move back! Give way.

Short command.

دروازے کے پیچھے کون ہے؟

Who is behind the door?

Interrogative sentence.

ہم لائن میں سب سے پیچھے تھے۔

We were at the very back of the line.

Describing position in a sequence.

پیچھے والی سیٹ پر بیٹھو۔

Sit on the back seat.

'Peeche wali' acts as an adjective.

وہ مجھ سے تھوڑا پیچھے چل رہا تھا۔

He was walking a little behind me.

Comparative distance.

اپنا سامان پیچھے مت چھوڑو۔

Don't leave your luggage behind.

Negative imperative.

کیا آپ نے پیچھے دیکھا؟

Did you look behind?

Past tense question.

ہمارے گھر کے پیچھے ایک بڑا درخت ہے۔

There is a big tree behind our house.

Spatial description.

وہ دوڑ میں سب سے پیچھے رہ گیا۔

He was left at the very back in the race.

Describing a result.

پیچھے مڑ کر دیکھنا منع ہے۔

Turning back to look is forbidden.

Gerund 'dekhna' as a subject.

وہ اپنے مقصد کے پیچھے پاگل ہے۔

He is crazy after his goal.

Metaphorical pursuit.

اس جھگڑے کے پیچھے کیا کہانی ہے؟

What is the story behind this fight?

Inquiring about cause.

بچہ اپنی ماں کے پیچھے پیچھے بھاگا۔

The child ran right after his mother.

Reduplication for emphasis.

وہ پڑھائی میں بہت پیچھے رہ گیا ہے۔

He has fallen far behind in his studies.

Describing academic lag.

پولیس چور کے پیچھے لگی ہوئی ہے۔

The police are after the thief.

Idiomatic 'peeche lagna'.

تم کیوں میرے پیچھے پڑے ہوئے ہو؟

Why are you bothering me? (Why are you after me?)

Idiomatic 'peeche parna'.

اس نے اپنی پرانی زندگی پیچھے چھوڑ دی۔

He left his old life behind.

Metaphorical 'leaving behind'.

پیچھے ہٹنا اب ممکن نہیں ہے۔

Backing out is not possible now.

Abstract movement.

اس فیصلے کے پیچھے گہری سوچ تھی۔

There was deep thought behind this decision.

Causal usage.

وہ اپنے وعدے سے پیچھے ہٹ گیا۔

He backed out of his promise.

Idiomatic 'peeche hatna'.

ترقی کی اس دوڑ میں کوئی پیچھے نہ رہے۔

No one should be left behind in this race of progress.

Formal social commentary.

اس کے پیچھے ایک بہت بڑا ہاتھ ہے۔

There is a powerful hand behind this (conspiracy/event).

Idiom for hidden influence.

ہمیں ماضی کو پیچھے چھوڑ کر آگے بڑھنا ہوگا۔

We must leave the past behind and move forward.

Rhetorical structure.

وہ ہمیشہ دوسروں کی مدد کے پیچھے رہتا ہے۔

He is always looking to help others (staying behind the scenes to help).

Nuanced behavioral description.

اس عمارت کے پیچھے ایک تاریخی پس منظر ہے۔

There is a historical background behind this building.

Linking history to a physical object.

حالات نے اسے پیچھے دھکیل دیا ہے۔

Circumstances have pushed him back.

Metaphorical force.

اس کے الفاظ کے پیچھے چھپا درد محسوس کریں۔

Feel the pain hidden behind his words.

Abstract spatial metaphor.

سیاست کے پیچھے چھپے مقاصد کو سمجھنا ضروری ہے۔

It is necessary to understand the motives hidden behind politics.

Analytical usage.

وہ اپنے پیچھے ایک عظیم ورثہ چھوڑ گیا ہے۔

He has left behind a great legacy.

Discussing legacy.

اس کے لہجے کے پیچھے ایک طنز محسوس ہو رہا تھا۔

A sarcasm could be felt behind his tone.

Describing tone/subtext.

پیچھے مڑ کر دیکھنا کبھی کبھی بہت تکلیف دہ ہوتا ہے۔

Looking back is sometimes very painful.

Reflective usage.

اس ایجاد کے پیچھے برسوں کی تحقیق کارفرما ہے۔

Years of research are at work behind this invention.

Formal academic style.

وہ معاشرے کے پیچھے رہ جانے والے طبقے کی آواز ہے۔

He is the voice of the marginalized (left behind) section of society.

Sociopolitical term.

اس مسکراہٹ کے پیچھے کتنے آنسو ہیں، کوئی نہیں جانتا۔

No one knows how many tears are behind this smile.

Poetic expression.

اس کائناتی نظام کے پیچھے ایک ابدی حقیقت موجود ہے۔

An eternal truth exists behind this cosmic system.

Philosophical usage.

وہ اپنی ذات کے پیچھے چھپی حقیقتوں سے نبرد آزما ہے۔

He is struggling with the realities hidden behind his own self.

Psychological depth.

اس تحریک کے پیچھے کارفرما محرکات کا جائزہ لینا ہوگا۔

The motives driving this movement must be evaluated.

Formal investigative language.

تاریخ کے پیچھے چھپے ہوئے حقائق اکثر تلخ ہوتے ہیں۔

Facts hidden behind history are often bitter.

Historical analysis.

اس کے خاموش وجود کے پیچھے ایک طوفان چھپا تھا۔

A storm was hidden behind his silent existence.

Literary metaphor.

وہ اپنے پیچھے ایسے نقوش چھوڑ گیا جو کبھی مٹ نہیں سکتے۔

He left behind such footprints that can never be erased.

Poetic legacy.

اس کے پیچھے جو فلسفہ ہے، وہ بہت پیچیدہ ہے۔

The philosophy that lies behind it is very complex.

Abstract conceptualization.

وہ انسانی فطرت کے پیچھے چھپے ہوئے رازوں کا امین ہے۔

He is the custodian of the secrets hidden behind human nature.

High literary style.

Common Collocations

Ke peeche

Peeche hato

Peeche dekho

Peeche reh jana

Peeche chhorna

Peeche-peeche aana

Sab se peeche

Peeche hatna

Peeche wali seat

Peeche ki taraf

Common Phrases

Mere peeche

— Behind me. Used to indicate someone's position relative to yourself.

Mere peeche kharay ho jao.

Duniya se peeche

— Behind the world. Used to describe someone who is not modern or up to date.

Woh abhi tak purani soch mein hai, duniya se peeche.

Peeche ki galli

— The back street. Used for giving directions.

Dukan peeche ki galli mein hai.

Peeche muṛna

— To turn back. Used both physically and metaphorically.

Peeche muṛ kar mat dekhna.

Peeche se aana

— To come from behind. Often used in stories or descriptions of surprises.

Woh peeche se aaya aur mujhe daraya.

Sab kuch peeche

— Leaving everything behind. Used when starting a new journey.

Main sab kuch peeche chhor kar aa gaya.

Peeche wali deewar

— The back wall. Common in construction or interior design.

Peeche wali deewar ko paint karo.

Peeche kahan?

— Where behind? A question used to clarify a location.

Peeche kahan? Bagh mein?

Peeche hat jao

— Get back. A firmer version of 'peeche hato'.

Aag se peeche hat jao.

Peeche rehne wala

— One who stays behind. Can refer to a person or a thing.

Peeche rehne wala bacha ro raha tha.

Often Confused With

پیچھے vs Baad

Baad is for time (after), Peeche is for space (behind).

پیچھے vs Pichla

Pichla is an adjective (previous), Peeche is a preposition/adverb.

پیچھے vs Neeche

Neeche means down, Peeche means behind. They rhyme but are different.

Idioms & Expressions

"Peeche parna"

— To nag or persist relentlessly. It implies someone won't leave you alone.

Woh paise ke liye mere peeche par gaya hai.

Colloquial

"Peeche hatna"

— To retreat or back out of a promise or fight.

Bahadur peeche nahi hat-te.

Neutral

"Hath dho kar peeche parna"

— To pursue someone or something with extreme obsession (literally: to wash hands and go after).

Woh hath dho kar is naukri ke peeche para hai.

Informal

"Peeche chhorna"

— To surpass someone in a competition or to move on from the past.

Us ne sab ko peeche chhor diya.

Neutral

"Peeche reh jana"

— To fail to keep up with progress or others.

Agar tum mehnat nahi karoge to peeche reh jaoge.

Neutral

"Peeche ki taraf dekhna"

— To reminisce or reflect on the past.

Zindagi mein hamesha peeche ki taraf nahi dekhna chahiye.

Literary

"Peeche se war karna"

— To backstab or attack from behind (cowardly).

Dushman ne peeche se war kiya.

Neutral

"Peeche lagna"

— To follow or be in pursuit of someone.

Kutta chor ke peeche lag gaya.

Neutral

"Peeche ho jana"

— To step aside or move back socially or physically.

Raste se peeche ho jao.

Neutral

"Peeche ki baatein"

— Old stories or past events, often used for gossip or history.

Ab peeche ki baatein bhool jao.

Informal

Easily Confused

پیچھے vs Pichla

Both relate to 'back'.

Pichla is an adjective describing a noun (last week), while Peeche is a location (behind the car).

Pichla hafta (Last week) vs Gari ke peeche (Behind the car).

پیچھے vs Baad

Both imply sequence.

Baad is almost exclusively used for chronological order, whereas Peeche is used for physical order.

Khane ke baad (After eating) vs Mere peeche (Behind me).

پیچھے vs Pehle

Opposites often get mixed up.

Pehle means before/front in time, Peeche means after/back in space or time.

Sab se pehle (First of all) vs Sab se peeche (At the very end).

پیچھے vs Aqab

They mean the same thing.

Aqab is formal/literary, Peeche is common. You won't hear 'Aqab hato' in a bus.

Aqab-e-lashkar (Rear of the army) vs Gari ke peeche.

پیچھے vs Neeche

Phonetic similarity.

Neeche is vertical (down/under), Peeche is horizontal (behind).

Mez ke neeche (Under the table) vs Mez ke peeche (Behind the table).

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] ke peeche [Noun] hai.

Mez ke peeche kursi hai.

Peeche [Verb]!

Peeche dekho!

[Person] mere peeche [Verb] hai.

Woh میرے پیچھے آ رہا ہے۔

[Abstract] کے پیچھے [Reason] ہے۔

Is ke peeche aik wajah hai.

[Action] se peeche hatna.

Waade se peeche hatna bura hai.

[Noun] ko peeche chhor kar [Action].

Maazi ko peeche chhor kar aagay barhein.

Sab se peeche [Noun] hai.

Sab se peeche Ali hai.

Peeche wali [Noun].

Peeche wali gari.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily Urdu.

Common Mistakes

Peeche darwaza → Darwaze ke peeche
In Urdu, the preposition (postposition) must come after the noun and requires 'ke'.
Peeche hafta → Pichla hafta
Use the adjective 'Pichla' for 'last/previous' when describing a time period.
Khane ke peeche → Khane ke baad
Use 'Baad' for 'after' in a temporal sequence of events like eating.
Peeche me → Mere peeche
With pronouns, use the possessive form (mere, tumhare, us ke) instead of the subject form.
Peeche hato (as a polite request) → Bhai, thora peeche ho jayein
'Peeche hato' is a blunt command. Use 'ho jayein' for politeness.

Tips

Master the Postposition

Always pair 'Peeche' with 'ke' when referring to a noun. Practice saying 'Chair ke peeche', 'Mez ke peeche', 'Ghar ke peeche' until it becomes second nature.

Breathe the 'Chh'

Urdu has two 'ch' sounds. The one in 'Peeche' is aspirated. Make sure you feel a burst of air on your hand when you say the second syllable.

Learn the Adjective

Don't confuse 'Peeche' with 'Pichla'. Use 'Peeche' for 'where' and 'Pichla' for 'which one' (e.g., the last one).

Respectful Distance

In social settings, walking 'Peeche' (behind) an elder is a sign of respect. Observe this in Urdu-speaking cultures.

Reduplication for Emphasis

Use 'Peeche-peeche' when you want to describe someone following very closely, like a shadow.

The 'Ye' Matters

Ensure you use 'bari ye' (ے) at the end. Using 'choti ye' (ی) would change the sound and the word.

Persistence

Remember 'Peeche parna'. It's a very common way to say someone is being annoying or persistent.

Contextual Clues

If you hear 'Peeche' in a bus, it's a command to move. If you hear it in a news report, it's likely about a reason for an event.

The 'Peeking' Rule

Think: I am 'Peeking' (Pee) at the 'Chest' (Che) from behind.

Use 'Aqab' in Poetry

If you try to write Urdu poetry, use 'Aqab' to add a layer of formality and classical beauty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Peeche' as 'Peeking' from behind something. You 'peek' (Pee) and then you 'chase' (che) from behind.

Visual Association

Imagine a cat's tail 'peeking' out from behind a door. The tail represents the word 'Peeche'.

Word Web

Behind Back Ago Follow Lagging Rear Past Retreat

Challenge

Try to use 'Peeche' in three different ways today: one for a physical object, one for following someone, and one for a reason behind an action.

Word Origin

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Prashcha' or 'Pashcha', which relates to the rear or back. It evolved through Prakrit into the modern Urdu form.

Original meaning: Back side or posterior part.

Indo-Aryan

Cultural Context

Be careful with 'Pichwaray'; it can be considered impolite in formal settings.

English speakers often use 'after' for both time and space, but Urdu speakers are more likely to use 'Peeche' for space and 'Baad' for time.

The song 'Mere Peeche Peeche Aana' from Bollywood. The idiom 'Hath dho kar peeche parna' in Urdu literature. The use of 'Aqab' in Iqbal's poetry.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

Peeche ki taraf jao.
Dukan masjid ke peeche hai.
Galli ke peeche.
Peeche wali imarat.

In Traffic

Peeche hato!
Gari peeche karo.
Peeche se rasta do.
Peeche dekh kar chalao.

In a Store

Peeche se nayi cheez lao.
Peeche godam hai.
Peeche wala rang dikhao.
Kya peeche aur stock hai?

Classroom

Peeche wali seat par jao.
Peeche dekho.
Peeche wala safha nikalo.
Sab se peeche kaun hai?

Family/Home

Mere peeche mat aao.
Khilona sofa ke peeche hai.
Darwaze ke peeche chhupo.
Peeche se pakro.

Conversation Starters

"Kya aap ke ghar ke peeche koi bagh hai?"

"Aap line میں کہاں کھڑے ہیں، آگے یا پیچھے؟"

"Kya aap ne kabhi peeche muṛ kar apni ghaltiyon ko dekha hai?"

"Is kahani ke peeche kya raaz hai?"

"Aap ke peeche kaun khara hai?"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you left something important 'peeche' at home.

Describe what is located 'peeche' your favorite building in your city.

Reflect on a goal you are 'peeche' (pursuing) right now.

Imagine you are in a crowded market. Describe the sounds of 'peeche hato' around you.

Write a short story about a child hiding 'peeche' a curtain.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. When used as a direct command (Peeche hato) or a general direction (Peeche dekho), 'ke' is not needed. It is only required when linking it to a specific noun (Ghar ke peeche).

Yes, but it is less common than 'pehle'. You might hear 'do saal peeche' in storytelling to mean 'two years back', but 'do saal pehle' is the standard for 'two years ago'.

The word itself is neutral. However, shouting 'Peeche hato' at someone can be rude. Adding 'Sahib' or 'Bhai' makes it polite.

You use the possessive pronoun 'mere' followed by 'peeche'. So, 'Mere peeche' is the correct way.

It is purely a matter of register. 'Peeche' is what you use with friends and family. 'Aqab' is what you read in a history book or a formal news report.

Yes! If a team is trailing by runs, commentators say they are 'itne runs peeche'. It is also used for the wicket-keeper's position (wicket ke peeche).

Yes, when combined with 'parna' or 'lagna'. 'Woh mere peeche para hai' means 'He is pursuing/nagging me'.

It is written as پ (pe) + ی (ye) + چھ (che with do-chashmi hay) + ے (bari ye). پیچھے.

No. Unlike adjectives, prepositions/adverbs like 'Peeche' remain the same regardless of the gender of the subject or object.

The most common opposite is 'Aagay' (آگے), which means in front or ahead.

Test Yourself 190 questions

writing

Write a sentence in Urdu saying 'The cat is behind the chair'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Tests basic spatial structure.