Behind the counter Meaning in English
expression
bɪˈhaɪnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkaʊntɝ
bi-HYND thuh KOWN-ter
bɪhˈaɪnd/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈaʊntɐ
bi-HYND thuh KOWN-tuh
Definition
In a store, café, or similar place, 'behind the counter' means the area where employees stand to work, often serving customers or handling products.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used for employees, not customers. Common in service settings like shops, cafés, and pharmacies. Can refer to literal location or to someone's job role ("She works behind the counter"). Not used in offices or homes.
Spanish: detrás del mostradorPortuguese (BR): atrás do balcãoPortuguese (PT): atrás do balcãoChinese (Simplified): 柜台后面Chinese (Traditional): 櫃檯後面Hindi: काउंटर के पीछेArabic: خلف الكاونترBengali: কাউন্টারের পিছনেRussian: прилавком - за прилавкомJapanese: カウンターの裏 - カウンターの中Vietnamese: quầy - phía sau quầyKorean: 카운터 뒤 - 카운터 안Turkish: tezgahın arkasındaUrdu: کاؤنٹر کے پیچھےIndonesian: di balik konter - di belakang konter
Example Sentences
The cashier works behind the counter.
basic
Please wait while I check behind the counter.
basic
There are extra bags behind the counter.
basic
My friend is always so busy behind the counter at the coffee shop.
natural
She found a wallet that someone left behind the counter.
natural
You can ask for a refund, but only the manager behind the counter can approve it.
natural