back

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 背 is read せ, has 9 strokes, and represents the back or height.
• Basic usage: 背 is read せ, and 背中 is read せなか.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 背 and 背中
  • 背 means height or back.
  • 弟は一年で背がずいぶん伸びた。 means “My younger brother grew a lot taller over the course of a year.”
  • 背中 means back.
  • 坂道を歩いていると背中に汗をかいた。 means “My back got sweaty as I walked up the slope.”