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背
Back, Height
せ (se), せい (sei), そむ-く (somu-ku), そむ-ける (somu-keru)
JLPT N3
Interesting Fact
The kanji 背 is commonly used in the expression 背が高い (se ga takai), meaning 'to be tall.' It literally refers to a person's back or height rather than just stature.
Memory Trick
Imagine measuring someone's HEIGHT by placing a ruler against their BACK. Their BACK helps determine how TALL they are.
Readings
Onyomi: ハイ (hai)
Kunyomi: せ (se), せい (sei), そむ-く (somu-ku), そむ-ける (somu-keru)
Example Words
背中
せなか (senaka)
Back
背が高い
せがたかい (se ga takai)
Tall
背番号
せばんごう (sebangou)
Jersey number
背景
はいけい (haikei)
Background
Example Sentence
兄は 背が 高いです。
あには せが たかいです。
ani wa se ga takai desu
My older brother is tall.