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背

背 — stature, height, back

Learn the correct stroke order for 背 (stature), a 9-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 69 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 9
On'yomi (音読み)ハイhai
Kun'yomi (訓読み)せse、せいsei、そむ.くsomuku、そむ.けるsomukeru
Strokes9
Radical肉
Frequency#696
Meaningsstature, height, back, behind, disobey, defy, go back on, rebel

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 9 — start from the green dot

Common Words

猫背ねこぜbent back; hunchback; stoopnoun
背くそむくto run counter to; to go against; to disobeyverb
背景はいけいbackground; scenery; backdropnoun
背後はいごback; rearnoun
背広せびろbusiness suitnoun
背骨せぼねspine; backbone; spinal columnnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 背 (stature) is taught in grade 6 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 9 strokes with radical 肉.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 背 is #696, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

猫背ねこぜ — bent back; hunchback; stoop
背くそむく — to run counter to; to go against; to disobey
背景はいけい — background; scenery; backdrop

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (肉)

肉meat肌texture肝liver肖resemblance肘elbow育bring up肩shoulder肥fertilizer

Same reading

配distribute敗failure抜slip out杯counter for cupfuls

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 背 have?

The kanji 背 (stature) has 9 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 背?

背 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 背 mean?

背 means: stature, height, back, behind, disobey, defy, go back on, rebel. On'yomi readings: ハイ. Kun'yomi readings: せ, せい, そむ.く, そむ.ける.

What JLPT level is 背?

背 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.