背景 (bèijǐng) — background; backdrop

背景 (bèijǐng)

背景 means background or backdrop in both the literal sense (the background of a photo or scene) and the figurative senses: the historical/social context of an event, or a person's family background and social connections.

Meanings

1. [noun] background; backdrop (visual or contextual)
2. [noun] context; circumstances; background (of an event or issue)
3. [noun] personal background; family connections; "connections" (informal)

Example Sentences

了解这段历史的时代背景，有助于更深刻地理解当时人们的选择。 Liǎojiě zhè duàn lìshǐ de shídài bèijǐng, yǒuzhù yú gèng shēnkè de lǐjiě dāngshí rénmen de xuǎnzé. Understanding the historical context of this period helps us understand the choices people made at the time more deeply.

在全球化背景下，各国之间的经济联系比以往任何时候都更加紧密。 Zài quánqiúhuà bèijǐng xià, gè guó zhījiān de jīngjì liánxì bǐ yǐwǎng rènhé shíhòu dōu gèng jiā jǐnmì. Against the backdrop of globalisation, economic ties between countries are closer than ever before.

这幅摄影作品以连绵的山脉为背景，构图简洁而壮观。 Zhè fú shèyǐng zuòpǐn yǐ liánmián de shānmài wéi bèijǐng, gòutú jiǎnjié ér zhuànguān. This photograph uses a continuous mountain range as the backdrop, with a simple yet magnificent composition.

他能在竞争激烈的行业脱颖而出，与他的教育背景和人脉资源密切相关。 Tā néng zài jìngzhēng jīliè de hángyè tuōyǐng ér chū, yǔ tā de jiàoyù bèijǐng hé rénmài zīyuán mìqiē xiāngguān. His ability to stand out in a highly competitive industry is closely related to his educational background and professional network.

这部小说以二十世纪初的上海为背景，生动描绘了那个时代的社会风貌。 Zhè bù xiǎoshuō yǐ èrshí shìjì chū de Shànghǎi wéi bèijǐng, shēngdòng miáohuìle nà gè shídài de shèhuì fēngmào. This novel is set against the backdrop of Shanghai in the early twentieth century, vividly depicting the social landscape of that era.

面试时，应聘者通常需要介绍自己的教育和工作背景。 Miànshì shí, yìngpìn zhě tōngcháng xūyào jièshào zìjǐ de jiàoyù hé gōngzuò bèijǐng. During an interview, candidates are usually required to introduce their educational and work background.

Collocations

Usage Notes

背景 is highly versatile. Its three main uses -- visual backdrop, historical/social context, and personal background/connections -- are all essential at B2 level. The phrase 在……背景下 (against the backdrop of ...; in the context of ...) is a standard discourse-linking phrase in formal Chinese writing.

The informal meaning of 背景 as "connections" or "backing" (有背景 -- to have influential connections behind you) is common in colloquial speech and should be understood in context.

Memory Hook

背 (back/behind) + 景 (scene/view) -- the scene behind everything, always there in the background shaping what you see in front.