後方

• Reading: こうほう
• Romaji: kouhou
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (kou) — after, behind; 方 (hou) — direction, side
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.ho.ɯ/

Meaning

Rear; back; behind. Refers to the area or direction behind something.

A noun (also used as a no-adjective) indicating the area to the rear or behind. Common in formal, military, transportation, and spatial descriptions. Collocations include 後方から (from behind), 後方確認 (rear check), and 後方支援 (rear support/logistics). More formal than 後ろ (ushiro), which is the everyday word for 'behind.' Often used in safety instructions, driving, and news reports.

Examples

1. 車を出す前に後方を確認してください。 Please check behind you before backing the car out.
2. 後方から救急車のサイレンが聞こえた。 I heard an ambulance siren coming from the rear.
3. 部隊は後方に退却する命令を受けた。 The unit received orders to retreat to the rear.

Usage Guide

Context: driving, military, transportation, safety

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 後 (kou, after/behind) + 方 (hou, direction/side). Literally 'the direction behind,' specifying spatial orientation toward the rear.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal