背骨

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 背骨(せぼね) refers to the spine, the bony structure running along the back.
• Basic usage: This noun is used when describing posture or the shape of the bones.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Reading
  • 骨 is read ほね on its own, but becomes ぼね in this word.
• Back and backbone
  • 背中 refers to the back as a body region; 背骨 refers to the bony structure within it.