Back off Meaning in English
expression
ˈbæk/ /ˈɔf
BAK-awf
bˈæk/ /ˈɒf
BAK-of
Definition
To move away physically or to stop getting involved in someone else's affairs or actions. Often used when telling someone not to interfere or to give space.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes forceful, often used as a command ('Hey, back off!'). Can refer to literal physical space or stepping away from interfering. Common with 'back off from' (tone: warning). Not polite—use carefully.
Spanish: alejarse - retroceder - apartarsePortuguese (BR): recuar - afastar-se - dar um tempoPortuguese (PT): recuar - afastar-se - dar espaçoChinese (Simplified): 退后 - 让开 - 不再干涉Chinese (Traditional): 退後 - 讓開 - 不再幹涉Hindi: पीछे हटना - दूर रहनाArabic: تراجع - ابتعدBengali: পিছিয়ে যাওয়া - সরে দাঁড়ানোRussian: отойти - отстать - не лезтьJapanese: 引き下がる - 近寄らないVietnamese: lùi lại - tránh xaKorean: 물러서다 - 간섭하지 않다Turkish: geri çekilmek - uzak durmakUrdu: پیچھے ہٹنا - دور رہناIndonesian: menjauh - mundur
Example Sentences
Please back off and give him some space.
basic
The dog will bite if you don't back off.
basic
He told her to back off and mind her own business.
basic
Whoa, back off! You’re standing too close.
natural
You might want to back off from asking personal questions.
natural
If he doesn't back off, things could get ugly.
natural