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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 背 (bèi) to express "turning away"

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Explanation

    The word 背 (bèi) can function as a verb meaning to turn one's back or turn away. In the phrase 背过身去, it describes the physical action of turning one's body away from someone or something. It often conveys avoidance, embarrassment, or deliberate disengagement.

    Examples

    • 她背过身去,不想让人看到她在哭。

      Tā bèi guò shēn qù, bù xiǎng ràng rén kàndào tā zài kū.

      She turned her back, not wanting anyone to see her crying.

    • 他背过脸去,假装什么都没看见。

      Tā bèi guò liǎn qù, jiǎzhuāng shénme dōu méi kànjiàn.

      He turned his face away, pretending he hadn't seen anything.

    • 孩子做错了事,背过身去不敢看妈妈。

      Háizi zuò cuò le shì, bèi guò shēn qù bù gǎn kàn māma.

      The child had done something wrong and turned away, not daring to look at mom.

    Using 背 (bèi) to express "turning away" | Chinese Grammar