〜を背にして~ o se ni shite

How it works

1. 

   When asking for directions, first establish which way you are facing. In the picture, is the ticket gate in front of the person or behind them?

2. 

   Turn your back to the ticket gate so it is behind you. That is what 「を背にして」 means in this picture.

3. 

   Put a noun before it: 改札＋を背にして. In this pattern, 「背」 is read 「せ」.

4. 

   Left and right are based on the direction you face with your back to the landmark, not on the landmark’s own left and right.

5. 

   With your back to the ticket gate, go right: the pattern first sets your orientation, then gives a specific movement instruction.

6. 

   It can also describe scenery behind someone as a backdrop. It is not limited to asking for or giving directions.

Example sentences

• 駅えきekiのno改札かいさつkaisatsuをo背せseにniしshiて、te、右みぎmigiへえe進んすすんsusun

In a conversation

Check yourself

1. Level 1 · Recognise

   Which sentence is correct?

   A確認メモに書いてある通り、駅の正面出口を背にして、右手側へ進むと角地に着きます。B確認メモに書いてある通り、駅の正面出口を背でして、右手側へ進むと角地に着きます。C確認メモに書いてある通り、駅の正面出口に背にして、右手側へ進むと角地に着きます。D確認メモに書いてある通り、駅の正面出口を背にするて、右手側へ進むと角地に着きます。

2. Level 1 · Recognise

   Listen and choose the meaning

   AWith your back to the city hall, if you walk straight ahead, you will reach an intersection.BWith your back to the city hall, if you wait for a while, a bus will come.CWith your back to the city hall, you can take beautiful photos.DWith your back to the city hall, looking at the map on the signboard will make it easier to understand.

3. Level 2 · Build

   Put the words in order

   With the building at the starting point behind you, please go to the right.

   進んでください。でもて、右手側へ出発地点の建物を背にし
   Check

4. Level 3 · Use

   What goes in the blank?

   駅の改札を____にして、右へ進んでください。

   With your back to the station ticket gate, proceed to the right.

   Show answer

More grammar in this theme

• 〜を背にしてwith something behind you

Keep practising