Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N2 · Intermediate 2
〜を背にして~ o se ni shite
with something behind you
Use 〜を背にして after a landmark to set your orientation with it behind you before giving directions.
How it works
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?
Turn your back to the ticket gate so it is behind you. That is what 「を背にして」 means in this picture.
Put a noun before it: 改札＋を背にして. In this pattern, 「背」 is read 「せ」.
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.
With your back to the ticket gate, go right: the pattern first sets your orientation, then gives a specific movement instruction.
