後退

• Reading: こうたい
• Romaji: koutai
• Kanji breakdown: 後 (kou/go/ato) — behind, after, later; 退 (tai) — retreat, withdraw, recede
• Pronunciation: /koː.tai/

Meaning

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.

Examples

1. 交渉は後退して合意に至らなかった。 Negotiations regressed and did not reach an agreement.
2. 経済が後退すると失業率が上がる。 When the economy declines, unemployment rates rise.
3. 車をゆっくり後退させて駐車した。 I slowly backed the car up and parked.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, negotiations, military, driving

Tone: serious

Origin & History

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

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal