後退

• 読み: こうたい
• ローマ字: koutai
• 漢字の分解: 後 (kou/go/ato) — behind, after, later; 退 (tai) — retreat, withdraw, recede
• 発音: /koː.tai/

意味

Retreat; regression; decline. Moving backwards physically or figuratively losing progress.

A noun and suru-verb (intransitive) with both literal and figurative uses. Literally, it means moving backwards or reversing (a vehicle backing up, troops retreating). Figuratively, it describes regression, decline, or setbacks in progress, negotiations, or conditions. The opposite is 前進 (zenshin, advance/progress). Also commonly used to describe a receding hairline. Appears frequently in news, military, and economic contexts.

例文

1. 交渉は後退して合意に至らなかった。
2. 経済が後退すると失業率が上がる。
3. 車をゆっくり後退させて駐車した。

使い方ガイド

場面: economics, negotiations, military, driving

トーン: serious

起源と歴史

From Sino-Japanese: 後 (kou, after/behind) + 退 (tai, retreat/withdraw). Literally 'withdrawing backwards' — moving away from one's current position.

文化的背景

時代: Modern

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal