Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B2 noun 11 min de leitura

背景

haikei

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 背景 em 30 segundos

Explicação 背景 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'haikei' is a word you might encounter when talking about photos or simple pictures. It literally means 'the back part' of a picture. For example, if you take a photo of your friend in front of a mountain, the mountain is the 'haikei.' Beginners should focus on this visual meaning. It is easy to remember because 'hai' (背) means 'back' and 'kei' (景) means 'view' or 'scene.' So, it is simply the 'back view.' You might hear a teacher say, 'Look at the background of the picture.' In Japanese, that would be 'Shashin no haikei o mite kudasai.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex social or political meanings. Just think of it as the scenery behind the main object in a photo or a drawing. It is a useful word for describing what you see. You can use it with simple adjectives like 'kirei' (beautiful) or 'aoi' (blue). For example, 'Haikei ga kirei desu' (The background is beautiful). This is a great way to start using the word in daily conversation without getting overwhelmed by its more advanced uses.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you can start using 'haikei' to describe the setting of a story or a simple situation. While the visual meaning is still important, you might notice it in sentences like 'The story has a mountain background.' You also start to see it in digital contexts, like 'changing the background' on a computer screen or a phone. At this level, you should learn the common pattern 'haikei ni' which means 'in the background.' For example, 'Umi o haikei ni shashin o toru' (Take a photo with the sea in the background). You might also hear it when people talk about where they are from in a very simple way, though other words are more common. The key for A2 learners is to recognize that 'haikei' isn't just for nature; it can be a wall, a city, or a blurred color in a photo. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'haikei' (拝啓), the letter greeting, although at A2 you might not be writing many formal letters yet. Focus on describing scenes and digital backgrounds.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, the meaning of 'haikei' expands significantly into the 'reason' or 'context' behind an event. You will start to hear it in news reports or see it in articles about social issues. For example, 'the background of the problem' (mondai no haikei). At this stage, you should understand that 'haikei' explains *why* something is happening by looking at the *context* around it. It is no longer just about what is behind a person in a photo; it is about what is 'behind' a situation. If a company is successful, the 'haikei' might be their hard work or a change in the market. You should practice using 'haikei' to give more depth to your explanations. Instead of just saying 'The reason is...', you can say 'The background of this situation is...'. This makes your Japanese sound more mature and professional. You will also encounter compound words like 'jidai haikei' (historical background of an era). Understanding this word is crucial for moving from simple daily Japanese to more descriptive and analytical Japanese.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B2 level, 'haikei' is an essential tool for analysis and professional communication. You are expected to use it to describe complex social, economic, and historical contexts. You should be comfortable with the structure '～を背景に' (against the backdrop of / with ... as a background). This is a hallmark of B2-level proficiency, as it allows you to link a specific event to a broader situation. For example, 'Against the backdrop of an aging society, new services are being developed' (Koureika shakai o haikei ni, atarashii saabisu ga kaihatsu sarete iru). At this level, you should also distinguish 'haikei' from similar words like 'bunmyaku' (context of words) and 'joukyou' (current situation). You will often see 'haikei' in the introductory sections of reports or essays, where it is used to set the stage for an argument. It is also used in art and film criticism to discuss the 'setting' or 'milieu' of a work. Mastery of 'haikei' at this level means being able to discuss not just what happened, but the invisible forces and historical trends that made it happen.

At the C1 level, your use of 'haikei' should be nuanced and precise. You will encounter it in academic papers, high-level political discourse, and sophisticated literature. At this stage, 'haikei' often refers to the deep-seated systemic factors or philosophical underpinnings of a phenomenon. You might analyze the 'ideological background' (shisouteki haikei) of a movement or the 'socio-political backdrop' of a historical shift. You should be able to use the word to deconstruct complex arguments, identifying what is 'in the background' of a person's rhetoric. Furthermore, you will see 'haikei' used in technical contexts like 'background knowledge' (haikei chishiki) in linguistics or 'background processing' in computer science. You should also be aware of the stylistic choice of using 'haikei' versus more specific terms like 'do-ki' (motive) or 'konkyo' (grounds). A C1 learner uses 'haikei' to paint a complete picture of a situation, showing an awareness of the multi-layered nature of reality. It becomes a word not just for description, but for critical inquiry and systemic thinking.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, 'haikei' is used with total native-like fluidity, often in highly abstract or metaphorical ways. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in different registers—from the clinical tone of a scientific report to the evocative language of a novel. You might use it to discuss the 'historiographical background' of a particular interpretation of history or the 'cultural background' that informs a subtle linguistic nuance. At this level, you can manipulate the word to emphasize different aspects of a situation, perhaps contrasting the 'visible background' with the 'hidden background' (senzai-teki haikei). You are also fully aware of the word's role in the 'wa' (harmony) of Japanese communication—how providing the 'haikei' is a way of showing respect and ensuring mutual understanding before reaching a conclusion. Your mastery extends to its use in legal contexts, where 'haikei' describes the foundational facts of a case, and in high-level business strategy, where it identifies the global trends that necessitate a pivot. For a C2 learner, 'haikei' is more than a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual lens through which the complexity of the world is organized and communicated.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

背景 em 30 segundos

Visual background or scenery.
Context or underlying circumstances.
Historical or social backdrop.
Causal factors behind an event.

The Japanese word 背景 (haikei) is a multifaceted noun that translates most directly to 'background' or 'context.' At its most literal level, it refers to the physical background of a scene, such as the scenery behind an actor on a stage or the backdrop in a photograph. However, its usage extends far beyond the visual realm into the abstract, encompassing the circumstances, historical context, and underlying factors that influence an event, a person's behavior, or a social phenomenon. In a professional or academic setting, understanding the 'haikei' of a problem is considered essential for finding a solution. It suggests that nothing happens in a vacuum; every action is supported or caused by a complex web of prior events and environmental factors.

Visual Context: Used when discussing photography, art, or stage design. If you change the background of your Zoom call, you are changing the 'haikei.'
Social Context: Refers to the societal trends or historical events that lead to a specific outcome, such as the 'economic background' of a policy change.
Personal Context: Refers to a person's upbringing, education, and experiences that shape their current perspective or status.

事件の背景を詳しく調査する必要がある。(It is necessary to investigate the background of the incident in detail.)

In Japanese culture, acknowledging the 'haikei' is a sign of maturity and intellectual depth. Instead of looking only at the surface (omote), a sophisticated observer looks at what lies behind (haikei). This word is frequently used in news broadcasts, business reports, and literary analysis. For instance, when a company's profits drop, a reporter won't just state the numbers; they will explain the 'keizai-teki haikei' (economic background), such as inflation or shifting consumer trends. It is a word that bridges the gap between what is seen and what is understood. When using it, you are often signaling that you are looking for the 'why' behind the 'what.'

富士山を背景に写真を撮りました。(I took a photo with Mount Fuji in the background.)

Furthermore, 'haikei' is used in the context of 'family background' or 'educational background' (though 'gakureki' is more specific for education). If someone comes from a wealthy 'haikei,' it implies their family's status and history. In the world of technology, 'background processing' in software is also referred to using this term in some contexts, though 'bakkuguraundo' is also common. The kanji themselves are revealing: 背 (back/spine) and 景 (scene/view). Together, they literally mean 'the view from behind' or 'the scene that stays in the back.'

この技術開発の背景には、深刻な人手不足がある。(Behind the development of this technology lies a serious labor shortage.)

Historical Background: 歴史的背景 (rekishiteki haikei). Essential for discussing literature or politics.
Cultural Background: 文化的背景 (bunkateki haikei). Used to explain why certain customs exist.

Using 背景 (haikei) correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns. The most common pattern is 'A o haikei ni B,' which means 'B happens against the background of A.' This is used when A is a large-scale situation or a physical setting. For example, 'The story takes place against the background of the war' would be 'Senso o haikei ni monogatari ga susumu.' This structure is very common in formal writing and journalism.

Pattern: [Noun] + を背景に: Meaning 'With [Noun] as a background' or 'Against the backdrop of [Noun].' Example: 青空を背景に白い雲が浮かんでいる (White clouds are floating against the blue sky).
Pattern: [Noun] + の背景: Meaning 'The background of [Noun].' Example: 彼の発言の背景を考える (Consider the background of his statement).

円安を背景に、輸出企業は利益を上げた。(Against the backdrop of a weak yen, exporting companies increased their profits.)

Another important usage is 'haikei ni aru,' meaning 'to lie in the background.' This is used to identify the root cause or underlying reason for something. If a student is struggling, a teacher might say, 'Katei kankyo ga haikei ni aru kamoshirenai' (The home environment might be in the background/be the reason). This implies a causal link that isn't immediately visible. It's a more sophisticated way of saying 'riyuu' (reason) or 'gen'in' (cause).

この法律の制定の背景には、国民の強い要望があった。(Behind the enactment of this law, there was a strong demand from the citizens.)

In artistic contexts, you might hear 'haikei o bokasu,' which means 'to blur the background.' This is a technical term in photography (bokeh). In business, 'haikei o setsumei suru' means to provide the context or the 'backstory' for a proposal or a decision. It is vital to provide the 'haikei' during a presentation so that stakeholders understand why a certain direction is being taken. Without the 'haikei,' your arguments may seem baseless or sudden.

時代背景を無視してはこの作品を理解できない。(You cannot understand this work without considering the historical background of the era.)

Technical Use: 背景知識 (haikei chishiki) - Background knowledge. Essential for reading comprehension.
Political Use: 政治的背景 (seijiteki haikei) - Political background/motives.

Finally, when discussing people, 'haikei' can refer to their 'support system' or 'backing.' If someone has a 'powerful background,' it might mean they have influential connections (kouken-sha). This usage is slightly more metaphorical but very common in political dramas or business negotiations. Understanding the 'haikei' of your interlocutor helps in building rapport and negotiating effectively.

You will encounter 背景 (haikei) in a variety of real-world situations, ranging from everyday conversations about photos to high-level academic lectures. In the digital age, one of the most common places to hear it is in discussions about remote work and video conferencing. People often talk about their 'virtual background' (baacharu haikei) or ask if their 'haikei' is too messy before a meeting starts. This has made the word even more common in daily life than it was twenty years ago.

In the News: News anchors use it constantly to explain the reasons behind global events. 'The background of the conflict is deep-rooted' (funsou no haikei wa nebukai).
In Art Galleries: Guides will explain the 'haikei' of a painting—what was happening in the artist's life or the world when it was created.

ビデオ会議の背景をぼかす機能を使っています。(I am using the function to blur the background of the video conference.)

In the business world, 'haikei' is a staple of presentations. A standard slide deck often begins with a 'Background and Purpose' (haikei to mokuteki) slide. This sets the stage for the proposal, explaining why the project is necessary. If you work in a Japanese company, you will likely write this word dozens of times a week in reports and emails. It is the professional way to provide context. Instead of jumping straight to the point, Japanese communication often values providing the 'haikei' first to ensure everyone is on the same page.

企画の背景を説明してください。(Please explain the background of the project.)

In academic settings, 'haikei' is used to discuss the 'literature review' or the 'existing research' that forms the basis of a new study. Students are taught to analyze the 'social background' (shakaiteki haikei) of historical events to understand why they occurred. This word is a key part of critical thinking in Japanese education. It encourages students to look beyond the immediate facts and consider the systemic or environmental factors at play. Whether you are watching a documentary or reading a textbook, 'haikei' will be a recurring keyword.

Daily Life: 'That photo has a nice background' (sono shashin, haikei ga ii ne).
Literature/Movies: 'The story has a sci-fi background' (SF no haikei o motta monogatari).

彼の成功の背景には、並々ならぬ努力があった。(Behind his success, there was extraordinary effort.)

Lastly, in legal or formal documents, 'haikei' describes the 'preamble' or the 'contextual facts' of a case. It is a word that demands attention because it provides the 'frame' through which all other information should be viewed. If you miss the 'haikei,' you might misunderstand the entire message.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 背景 (haikei) is confusing it with its homophone 拝啓 (haikei). While they sound identical, the latter is a formal letter-opening greeting, equivalent to 'Dear...' or 'To whom it may concern.' Using the wrong kanji in a written report would be a significant error. Always remember that the 'background' haikei uses the kanji for 'back' (背) and 'scenery' (景), while the letter-opening haikei uses 'worship/humbly' (拝) and 'inform/state' (啓).

Mistake: Confusing with 'Riyuu' (Reason): While 'haikei' can imply a reason, it is broader. 'Riyuu' is the specific 'why,' while 'haikei' is the 'context.' You can say 'the reason for the profit drop,' but 'the background of the profit drop' includes the reason plus the market conditions, history, etc.
Mistake: Overusing it for 'Environment': If you mean the natural environment (trees, air, water), use 'kankyo' (環境). 'Haikei' is for the visual background of a scene or the situational context of an event.

❌ 彼はいい背景で育った。(He grew up in a good background.)
✅ 彼はいい環境で育った。(He grew up in a good environment.)

Another common error is using 'haikei' when 'bunmyaku' (context) is more appropriate. While they overlap, 'bunmyaku' (文脈) is specifically for linguistic context—the words surrounding a specific term. If you are talking about the context of a sentence, use 'bunmyaku.' If you are talking about the context of a political move, use 'haikei.' Using 'haikei' for a sentence can sound a bit unnatural to native speakers.

❌ この言葉の背景を教えてください。(Please tell me the background of this word - meaning context.)
✅ この言葉の文脈を教えてください。(Please tell me the context of this word.)

Lastly, be careful with the particle 'ni.' As mentioned, '...o haikei ni' is a set phrase. Learners sometimes forget the 'ni' or use 'de' instead. While 'haikei de' might be understood in a physical sense (e.g., 'working in the background'), 'haikei ni' is the standard for 'against the backdrop of.' Using 'de' can sometimes change the meaning to imply the location rather than the context. Precision with particles is key to sounding natural in B2-level Japanese.

Grammar Check: ～を背景に (o haikei ni) = against the backdrop of. This is a very strong collocation.

Understanding 背景 (haikei) also requires knowing its synonyms and how they differ. Japanese has several words for 'context' or 'background,' and choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about words, situations, or physical spaces. 'Haikei' is the most versatile, but others are more specific.

文脈 (Bunmyaku): Specifically 'linguistic context' or 'thread of an argument.' Use this for text and speech analysis.
状況 (Joukyou): Means 'situation' or 'state of affairs.' While 'haikei' is what leads up to something, 'joukyou' is what is happening right now.
環境 (Kankyo): Means 'environment.' This refers to the physical or social surroundings (e.g., office environment, natural environment).

その言葉は、ある特定の文脈でしか使われない。(That word is only used in a specific context.)

Another interesting alternative is 下地 (shitaji). This literally means 'undercoat' or 'foundation.' It is used when talking about someone's preparation or the groundwork that was laid for an event. If 'haikei' is the scene behind, 'shitaji' is the base layer underneath. For example, 'He had a foundation in music' would use 'shitaji.' This is more common when discussing skills or the preparation for a new policy.

不況という状況の中で、彼らは新しいビジネスを始めた。(In the situation of a recession, they started a new business.)

Finally, consider 舞台裏 (butaiura), which means 'behind the scenes.' This is used more for the 'secret' or 'hidden' activities that lead to a public result. While 'haikei' is the context that explains an event, 'butaiura' is the actual physical or metaphorical space where the work happened. If you want to talk about the hard work that went into a successful event, 'butaiura' is a very evocative choice. In summary, use 'haikei' for context, 'bunmyaku' for words, 'joukyou' for the current state, and 'kankyo' for the surroundings.

Quick Comparison: 背景 (haikei): Broad context/backdrop.
文脈 (bunmyaku): Textual context.
状況 (joukyou): Current situation.
環境 (kankyo): Surroundings/Environment.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In traditional Japanese theater like Kabuki, the 'haikei' was often a large painted screen called 'haikeimaku.' The term moved from the stage to the abstract world of ideas in the late 19th century.

Guia de pronúncia

UK haɪkeɪ

US haɪkeɪ

Heiban (Flat) - the pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rima com

Taikei (System) Saikei (Re-measurement) Kaikei (Accounting) Meikei (Clear) Seikei (Livelihood) Keikei (Respectful) Teikei (Cooperation) Reikei (Cold form)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it as 'haike-ee' (don't extend the final 'i' too much).
Confusing the pitch with 'haikei' (letter greeting), though they are both flat.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The kanji are common but the abstract meanings require intermediate level understanding.

Escrita 4/5

Writing the kanji '景' correctly and distinguishing from homophones can be tricky.

Expressão oral 3/5

The word is easy to pronounce but knowing when to use it vs. 'riyuu' takes practice.

Audição 2/5

Clearly pronounced, though context is needed to distinguish from 'haikei' (letter greeting).

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

背 (Back) 景色 (Scenery) 理由 (Reason) 写真 (Photo) 説明 (Explain)

Aprenda a seguir

文脈 (Context) 状況 (Situation) 環境 (Environment) 経緯 (Sequence of events) 要因 (Factor)

Avançado

地政学的 (Geopolitical) 社会構造 (Social structure) 看過する (Overlook) 紐解く (Unravel) 不可欠 (Indispensable)

Gramática essencial

～を背景に (Against the backdrop of)

円安を背景に、観光客が増えた。

～の背景にある (Lies behind)

成功の背景には努力がある。

～という背景 (The background that...)

人手不足という背景がある。

Noun + 的 (Making adjectives)

歴史的背景 (Historical background).

Potential form for 'can see'

背景に海が見える。

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

この写真の背景はきれいです。

The background of this photo is beautiful.

'Haikei' is the subject of the sentence, followed by the particle 'wa'.

背景を青く塗ってください。

Please paint the background blue.

'Haikei' is the object, followed by 'o'.

白い背景で写真を撮ります。

I will take a photo with a white background.

'De' indicates the means or condition (with a white background).

背景に山が見えます。

You can see mountains in the background.

'Ni' indicates the location (in the background).

この絵の背景は何ですか。

What is the background of this picture?

'No' shows possession or relationship (background of the picture).

背景が暗すぎます。

The background is too dark.

'Sugimasu' means 'too much' or 'excessively.'

背景に花があります。

There are flowers in the background.

'Ni' indicates location for existence (arimasu).

背景を変えたいです。

I want to change the background.

'Tai' expresses desire.

海の背景をバックに写真を撮った。

I took a photo with the sea as the background.

'Bakku ni' is a common phrase often used with 'haikei.'

ズームの背景をぼかしてください。

Please blur your Zoom background.

'Bokasu' means to blur.

彼は山の背景が好きだ。

He likes mountain backgrounds.

'Ga suki' marks the object of liking.

背景にビルがたくさんあります。

There are many buildings in the background.

'Takusan' means many.

このアプリで背景を消せます。

You can erase the background with this app.

'Kesemasu' is the potential form of 'kesu' (to erase).

背景の色を赤にしましょう。

Let's make the background color red.

'Ni shimashou' means 'let's decide on' or 'let's make it.'

背景が動く動画です。

It is a video where the background moves.

'Ugoku' is the verb modifying the noun 'douga.'

背景を選んでください。

Please choose a background.

'Erande kudasai' is a polite request.

この事件の背景には貧困がある。

Behind this incident lies poverty.

'Ni wa' emphasizes the location/cause in the background.

彼は複雑な背景を持っている。

He has a complex background.

'Motte iru' means 'to possess' or 'to have.'

物語の時代背景を調べた。

I researched the historical background of the story.

'Jidai haikei' is a common compound noun.

背景知識がないと理解できない。

You cannot understand it without background knowledge.

'Haikei chishiki' means background knowledge.

不況を背景に失業者が増えた。

Against the backdrop of the recession, unemployment increased.

'O haikei ni' indicates the situational context.

彼の発言の背景を考える必要がある。

It is necessary to consider the background of his statement.

'Hitsuyou ga aru' means 'there is a necessity.'

この曲の背景には悲しい物語がある。

Behind this song, there is a sad story.

'Ni wa' introduces the underlying story.

背景を説明してから本題に入ります。

I will explain the background before getting to the main point.

'Kara' means 'after' in this context.

グローバル化を背景に、競争が激化している。

Against the backdrop of globalization, competition is intensifying.

'Gekika shite iru' means 'is intensifying.'

少子高齢化という社会的背景がある。

There is a social background of a declining birthrate and aging population.

'To iu' is used to define the specific background.

その政策の背景には政治的な意図が見える。

One can see political intentions behind that policy.

'Mieru' means 'can be seen' or 'is visible.'

彼は自分の背景を語りたがらなかった。

He didn't want to talk about his own background.

'Tagaranakatta' is the negative past of 'tagaru' (to want to).

文化的背景の違いを理解することが大切だ。

It is important to understand the differences in cultural backgrounds.

'Taisetsu da' means 'is important.'

経済的背景を無視しては議論できない。

We cannot have a discussion if we ignore the economic background.

'Mushi shite wa' means 'if one ignores.'

背景にある問題を解決しなければならない。

We must solve the problems that lie in the background.

'Nakereba naranai' means 'must.'

この映画は実話を背景にしている。

This movie is based on a true story (has a true story as its background).

'Ni shite iru' means 'making it into' or 'having it as.'

歴史的背景を詳細に分析することが不可欠だ。

It is indispensable to analyze the historical background in detail.

'Fukaketsu da' is a high-level word for 'indispensable.'

その理論の背景には、実存主義の影響がある。

Behind that theory lies the influence of existentialism.

'Eikyou' means influence.

彼は学術的背景を活かして研究を進めた。

He advanced his research by leveraging his academic background.

'Ikashite' means 'making use of' or 'leveraging.'

この現象の背景にある力学を解明する。

We will clarify the dynamics lying behind this phenomenon.

'Kaimei suru' means to solve a mystery or clarify.

言説の背景にあるイデオロギーを批判的に考察する。

Critically examine the ideology behind the discourse.

'Kousatsu suru' is a formal word for 'consider' or 'examine.'

社会構造の変容を背景に、新たな価値観が生まれた。

Against the backdrop of changes in social structure, new values emerged.

'Hen'you' means transformation.

背景となる諸要因を多角的に検討した。

We examined the various background factors from multiple perspectives.

'Takakuteki ni' means 'from multiple angles.'

彼の作品は、当時の社会不安を背景に描かれている。

His works are painted against the backdrop of the social unrest of that time.

'Egakarete iru' is the passive form of 'to draw/paint.'

地政学的な背景が、この外交政策の根幹をなしている。

The geopolitical background forms the core of this foreign policy.

'Konkan o nasu' is a sophisticated expression for 'forming the core.'

その決定の背景にある深層心理を紐解く。

Unravel the deep-seated psychology behind that decision.

'Himotoku' means to unravel or read carefully.

法的な背景を踏まえた上で、慎重に判断を下すべきだ。

A judgment should be made carefully after taking the legal background into account.

'Fumaeta ue de' means 'based upon' or 'taking into account.'

この論文は、ポスト構造主義を背景に論じられている。

This paper is argued against the background of post-structuralism.

'Ronjirarete iru' is the passive form of 'to argue/discuss.'

背景に潜む構造的な問題を看過してはならない。

We must not overlook the structural problems lurking in the background.

'Kanka shite wa naranai' means 'must not overlook.'

宗教的背景が、人々の行動規範に多大な影響を及ぼしている。

The religious background exerts a significant influence on people's codes of conduct.

'Eikyou o oyobosu' is the formal way to say 'to influence.'

その詩の背景には、作者の亡命生活という悲劇がある。

Behind that poem lies the tragedy of the author's life in exile.

'Boumei' means exile.

背景知識の欠如が、重大な誤解を招く結果となった。

The lack of background knowledge resulted in a serious misunderstanding.

'Ketsujo' means lack or deficiency.

Sinônimos

文脈状況バックグラウンド裏付け

Antônimos

前景表舞台

Colocações comuns

背景を説明する

背景にある

背景知識

時代背景

背景をぼかす

社会的背景

～を背景に

背景が変わる

背景を探る

背景色

Frases Comuns

背景を背負う

— To carry a certain background or burden of history.

彼は重い背景を背負っている。

背景に控える

— To be waiting or standing in the background (often influential people).

彼の後ろには大物が背景に控えている。

背景が透ける

— For the background/true motive to show through.

彼の言葉には政治的背景が透けて見える。

背景を固める

— To secure one's backing or groundwork.

まずは背景を固めることが先決だ。

背景と同化する

— To blend in with the background.

カメレオンは背景と同化する。

背景を塗り替える

— To rewrite or change the context entirely.

新政権はこれまでの背景を塗り替えた。

背景が浮かび上がる

— For the background context to become clear.

調査によって背景が浮かび上がってきた。

背景を問う

— To question the context or reasons.

その行動の背景を問う。

背景を共有する

— To share the same context or background.

私たちは同じ背景を共有している。

背景を損なう

— To ruin the background (visually or contextually).

その看板は景色の背景を損なう。

Frequentemente confundido com

背景 vs 拝啓 (Haikei)

Letter greeting. Same sound, different kanji.

背景 vs 背後 (Haigo)

'Behind' or 'the rear.' Used more for physical location or 'the person behind the scenes.'

背景 vs 文脈 (Bunmyaku)

Linguistic context. Use for words, not visual scenes.

Expressões idiomáticas

"背景に隠れる"

— To hide in the background; to be overshadowed.

真実が背景に隠れてしまった。

Literary

"背景を盾にする"

— To use one's background as a shield or excuse.

彼は自分の背景を盾にして責任を逃れた。

Critical

"背景を背に受ける"

— To have the background support or favor someone.

時代の背景を背に受けて、彼は成功した。

Neutral

"背景に徹する"

— To stick to being the background; to not stand out.

彼は主役を支える背景に徹した。

Artistic

"背景を読み取る"

— To read between the lines; to understand the context.

相手の言葉から背景を読み取ることが大切だ。

Professional

"背景が語る"

— The background tells the story (the context says it all).

彼の表情よりも、その背景がすべてを語っていた。

Literary

"背景に甘んじる"

— To be content with staying in the background.

彼女は背景に甘んじることなく、表舞台に出た。

Neutral

"背景を味方につける"

— To use the current situation/context to one's advantage.

不況を背景を味方につけて、格安サービスを広めた。

Business

"背景が見えない"

— The context or motive is unclear.

この事件は背景が全く見えない。

Neutral

"背景を押し出す"

— To emphasize the background or setting.

この映画は時代背景を強く押し出している。

Artistic

Fácil de confundir

背景 vs 理由 (Riyuu)

Both explain why something happened.

'Riyuu' is the specific reason. 'Haikei' is the whole context around it.

遅刻した理由は寝坊です。事件の背景には社会問題があります。

背景 vs 原因 (Gen'in)

Both relate to causality.

'Gen'in' is the direct cause (usually negative). 'Haikei' is the surrounding situation.

火事の原因はタバコです。不況の背景にはインフレがあります。

背景 vs 環境 (Kankyo)

Both describe surroundings.

'Kankyo' is the physical or social environment you live in. 'Haikei' is the backdrop of an event or photo.

教育環境がいい。富士山を背景に写真を撮る。

背景 vs 状況 (Joukyou)

Both describe a state.

'Joukyou' is the current status. 'Haikei' is what led to it or supports it.

今の状況はどうですか？不況を背景に新事業を始めた。

背景 vs 経歴 (Keireki)

Both describe a person's past.

'Keireki' is a career history. 'Haikei' is a broader family/social context.

彼の経歴は素晴らしい。彼の背景は謎に包まれている。

Padrões de frases

背景は [Adjective] です。

背景はきれいです。

背景に [Noun] があります。

背景に山があります。

[Noun] の背景を説明する。

事件の背景を説明する。

[Noun] の背景には [Noun] がある。

成功の背景には努力がある。

[Noun] を背景に [Verb/Sentence]。

不況を背景に倒産が増えた。

[Adjective] 的背景。

社会的背景を考える。

[Noun] の背景にある [Noun] を分析する。

政策の背景にある意図を分析する。

[Noun] を背景とした [Noun]。

格差社会を背景とした犯罪。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

背景 (haikei - background)

背景画 (haikeiga - background painting)

背景色 (haikeishoku - background color)

Verbos

背景にする (haikei ni suru - to make into a background)

Adjetivos

背景的な (haikeiteki na - contextual/background-like)

Relacionado

背後 (haigo - behind/rear)

景色 (keshiki - scenery)

光景 (koukei - sight/scene)

背景幕 (haikeimaku - backdrop curtain)

背景音楽 (haikei ongaku - background music)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Very high in both daily and professional Japanese.

Erros comuns

Using 'haikei' for letter greetings. → 拝啓 (Haikei)
'背景' means background. '拝啓' is the formal 'Dear Sir' used in letters.
Using 'haikei' for the natural environment. → 環境 (Kankyo)
'Haikei' is visual or situational context. 'Kankyo' is for air, nature, or surroundings.
Saying 'haikei de' instead of 'haikei ni'. → ～を背景に
The standard phrase for 'against the backdrop of' is '...o haikei ni.'
Using 'haikei' for word context. → 文脈 (Bunmyaku)
'Bunmyaku' is specifically for linguistic context. 'Haikei' is for situational context.
Confusing 'haikei' with 'riyuu'. → 理由 (Riyuu)
Use 'riyuu' for a simple reason. Use 'haikei' for the broader context that includes many factors.

Dicas

Master the Particle 'Ni'

Always remember '...o haikei ni' for 'against the backdrop of.' It's a key B2-level phrase.

Kanji Breakdown

'Back' (背) + 'Scenery' (景). It literally means the scenery in the back.

Business Context

Start your proposals by explaining the 'haikei' to ensure everyone understands the 'why.'

Technical Term

'Haikei o bokasu' is the Japanese way to say 'apply bokeh' or 'blur background.'

News Keywords

When you see '背景' in a headline, look for the social cause or historical context mentioned nearby.

Avoid Homophone Errors

Never use '背景' as a letter greeting; that's '拝啓.' Check your kanji twice.

High Context

Remember that in Japan, understanding the 'haikei' is often more important than the explicit words spoken.

Compound Words

Learn 'jidai haikei' and 'rekishiteki haikei' together as set phrases.

Tone Check

'Haikei' is flat (Heiban). If you hear a drop, it might be a different word or dialect.

Context vs Situation

Use 'haikei' for what's behind/before, and 'joukyou' for what's happening now.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Hai' as 'Hi' (the person in front) and 'Kei' as 'Kay' (the scenery behind them). Or remember: 'Back (背) Scenery (景)'.

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant movie screen showing a sunset. The screen is the 'haikei.'

Word Web

Scenery Context History Backdrop Zoom Politics Photography Painting

Desafio

Try to describe the 'haikei' of your favorite movie in three Japanese sentences using '...o haikei ni'.

Origem da palavra

The word is composed of two kanji: '背' (back/spine) and '景' (scenery/view). It originated from Chinese but was adapted in Japanese to describe the rear portion of a scene.

Significado original: Literally 'the scenery at the back.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

When asking about someone's 'haikei' (personal background), be careful as it can sometimes feel intrusive if it touches on sensitive family or financial history.

In English, we often use 'background' for both people and photos, just like in Japanese, but we use 'context' more for academic settings.

Ukiyoe prints (focus on background) Zoom culture (virtual backgrounds) Historical dramas (Jidaigeki)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Photography

背景をぼかす
背景を変える
背景がうるさい (busy background)
背景を白くする

Business Meetings

背景を説明する
企画の背景
市場の背景
背景を共有する

News/Politics

～を背景に
歴史的背景
社会的背景
背景にある問題

Literature/Art

時代背景
作品の背景
作者の背景
背景を描写する

Digital/Tech

仮想背景 (virtual background)
背景画像
背景色
背景処理

Iniciadores de conversa

"この写真の背景、どこで撮ったの？ (Where did you take the background of this photo?)"

"その企画の背景をもう少し詳しく教えてもらえますか？ (Could you tell me a bit more about the background of that project?)"

"時代背景を知ると、この本はもっと面白くなるよ。 (Knowing the historical background makes this book more interesting.)"

"ビデオ会議の背景、それ本物？ (Is that background in the video call real?)"

"この事件の背景には何があると思う？ (What do you think is behind this incident?)"

Temas para diário

今日撮った写真の背景について書いてください。 (Write about the background of a photo you took today.)

あなたが今取り組んでいる仕事や勉強の背景は何ですか？ (What is the background of the work or study you are currently doing?)

子供の頃の生活背景について思い出してください。 (Recall your life background during childhood.)

最近のニュースで、背景が気になったものはありますか？ (Is there any recent news where you were curious about the background?)

自分の「文化的背景」を三つの言葉で表すと？ (If you were to describe your 'cultural background' in three words?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, you can say 'gakureki-teki na haikei,' but usually 'gakureki' (educational history) is used on its own for resumes. 'Haikei' is broader.

'Haikei' is the standard Japanese word. 'Bakkuguraundo' is a loanword often used in music (BGM) or sometimes in tech and fashion. 'Haikei' sounds more formal and natural in most contexts.

Yes, 'haikei' or 'kabegami' (wallpaper) are both used. In settings menus, you'll often see 'haikei.'

Use the pattern '[Noun] o haikei ni.' For example: 'Sensou o haikei ni' (Against the backdrop of war).

No, that is '拝啓' (haikei). They sound the same but the kanji are different. Don't mix them up in writing!

Yes, metaphorically. If someone has a 'powerful background,' it means they have strong supporters (koukensha).

It means 'background knowledge.' It's the information you need to know beforehand to understand a text or a lecture.

'Haikei o bokasu.' This is common in photography and video call settings.

It's better to use 'bunmyaku' (文脈) for words. 'Haikei' is for situations and scenes.

Very common. You will hear it in news, business, and daily life every day.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas