Back up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbæk/ /ˈəp

BAK-uhp

UK

bˈæk/ /ˈʌp

BAK-up

Definition

To create a copy of something (like files) for safety, to support someone, or to move backwards, especially in a vehicle.

Usage & Nuances

'Back up' is a phrasal verb: as a verb, it can mean 'make a copy' (especially for computers), 'support someone,' or 'move in reverse.' 'Back-up' (with a hyphen) is a noun or adjective. In driving, used for reversing: 'Can you back up?' Common in both formal and informal contexts.

• Spanish: respaldar - apoyar (a alguien) - retroceder (vehículo)
• Portuguese (BR): fazer backup - apoiar (alguém) - dar ré (veículo)
• Portuguese (PT): fazer backup - apoiar (alguém) - fazer marcha-atrás (veículo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 备份 - 支持（某人）- 倒车
• Chinese (Traditional): 備份 - 支援（某人）- 倒車
• Hindi: बैकअप लेना - समर्थन करना - गाड़ी को पीछे करना
• Arabic: يدعم - ينسخ احتياطياً - يرجع للخلف (مركبة)
• Bengali: ব্যাকআপ নেওয়া - সমর্থন করা - পেছনে যাওয়া
• Russian: сделать резервную копию - поддерживать - сдавать назад
• Japanese: バックアップを取る - 支援する - バックする（車などで後退する）
• Vietnamese: sao lưu - ủng hộ - lùi lại
• Korean: 백업하다 - 지원하다 - 뒤로 가다
• Turkish: yedeklemek - desteklemek - geri gitmek
• Urdu: بیک اپ لینا - حمایت کرنا - پیچھے ہٹنا
• Indonesian: mencadangkan - mendukung - mundur

Example Sentences

Please back up your files every week.

basic

Can you back up a little?

basic

I will back up your decision.

basic

If you need someone to back you up, just let me know.

natural

The car had to back up to let the truck pass.

natural

Don’t forget to back up your contacts before switching phones.

natural