Meaning
后退 means to move backward or retreat from a position. It can describe physical movement in a backward direction, or more abstractly, withdrawing from a situation, retreating in battle, or backing down from a position. The word combines 后 (back, behind) and 退 (to retreat, to withdraw).
Usage
后退 is commonly used for both literal physical backward movement and figurative retreat. It's neutral in tone and can describe military retreat, stepping back to avoid danger, or backing away from a decision. Often paired with directional complements or distance measures like 后退几步 (step back a few steps).
Examples
- 01请大家后退一点儿，让救护车通过。, .Please everyone step back a bit and let the ambulance through.
- 02面对困难，我们不能后退。, .In the face of difficulties, we cannot retreat.
Characters
Common collocations
- 后退几步to step back a few steps
- 向后退to move backward
- 后退一步to take a step back
- 不断后退to keep retreating
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the concept of backward movement: 后 indicates the rear direction, while 退 specifically means to retreat or withdraw. Together they emphasize the backward motion.