背景 — meaning in English: background

haikei · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for background

一生

isshō

値

atai

背景

haikei

反応

hannō

タッチ

tacchi

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neutral common

Usage

The word 背景 (haikei) is commonly used in various contexts, such as discussing art or photography to refer to the backdrop of a scene. For instance, a photographer might ask about the 背景 of a portrait, emphasizing the importance of the environment in shaping the subject's portrayal. Additionally, in casual conversations, people might refer to someone's 背景 when talking about their personal history or circumstances.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 背景 is 環境 (kankyou), which means 'environment.' While 背景 specifically refers to the background or setting of a scene, 環境 encompasses a broader range of factors affecting a situation, including social and physical elements. You would choose 背景 when specifically addressing visual components.

Culture

The term 背景 (haikei) combines two kanji: 背 (back) and 景 (scenery), which literally translates to 'back scenery.' This reflects a Japanese cultural appreciation for context, as the background often enriches the main subject in art or conversation. Historically, background elements in Japanese art, such as in ukiyo-e prints, play a crucial role in storytelling, providing depth and context to the main figures.

FAQ

Q.What does 背景 mean in English?

背景 (haikei) translates to 'background' in English, referring to the setting or context behind a subject, whether in art, photography, or conversation.

Q.How is 背景 used in a sentence?

You can use 背景 in a sentence like, 'この絵の背景は美しいです' (Kono e no haikei wa utsukushii desu), meaning 'The background of this painting is beautiful.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 背景?

One common mistake is using 背景 to refer to someone's background in terms of their upbringing or education, which can lead to confusion. In such cases, it's more appropriate to use 経歴 (keireki) for 'career history' or 学歴 (gakureki) for 'educational background.'

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