Definition
背着 (bēi zhe) combines the verb 背 (bēi, to carry on the back) with the aspect particle 着 (zhe). Literally it means 'carrying on one's back,' but it is often used figuratively to mean 'to do something behind someone's back (in secret)' or 'to bear a burden (debt, responsibility).' Note that the similar phrase 背着 (bèi zhe) with the departing tone means 'turning one's back to,' but this row uses the high tone bēi.
v.p.
to carry (something) on one's backto do something behind someone's backsecretlyto bear (a burden, debt, etc.)
Examples
- 背着。Tā bēi shūbāo qù shàngxué.He carries his backpack to go to school.
- 背着。Tā bēi qīzi cún le yìxiē sīfángqián.He secretly saved some private money behind his wife's back.
- 背着，。Tā bēi chénzhòng de zhàiwù, měitiān dōu hěn jiāolǜ.He carries heavy debt and is anxious every day.
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