Definition
背书 is a separable verb (离合词) with two main meanings: (1) to recite a text from memory, literally 'back the book' – often used for memorizing classic texts; (2) to endorse a check, also 'back the writing.' Because it's a verb-object compound, you can split it: e.g. 背了三遍书 ('recited the book three times'), 背过书 ('having endorsed/rhetorically supported'). In financial contexts it functions as the noun 'endorsement' as well, but the verb-object structure remains.
v.o.
to recite a lesson/text from memoryto endorse (a check)
Examples
- 背书。Tā xiǎoshíhou měitiān zǎochen dōu yào bèi shū.When he was a child, he had to recite lessons every morning.
- 背书。Zhè zhāng zhīpiào xūyào yínháng bèi shū cái néng qǔ qián.This check needs the bank to endorse it before you can withdraw money.
- 。Nà piān gǔwén tā bèi le sān cì shū cái jìzhù.He only memorized that classical text after reciting it three times from memory.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.