How to say "pressure" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 圧力あつりょくnounThe general word for pressure as a physical force — of gases, liquids, or the atmosphere — also used figuratively for pressure brought to bear on someone to make them do something.
- nounPressure in the psychological sense: the strain felt before an exam or performance, or the weight of expectations that other people place on one.
- 圧迫あっぱくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe pressing or weighing down of one thing on another, with a heavy, oppressive nuance — a weight on the chest, or a presence that feels oppressive — rather than pressure as a measurable force.
- 締め付けしめつけnounPressure in the narrow physical sense of tightening or squeezing — the force with which something is clamped, gripped, or fastened tight. It is not the word for pressure in general.
- 弾圧だんあつnoun, suru verb, transitive verbOppression or suppression by those in power — the crushing of dissent, speech, or groups. For 'pressure' it is right only in this political sense, not for everyday pressure.
Use 圧力 for physical (and figurative) force, 「プレッシャー」 for psychological strain, 圧迫 for a heavy pressing or oppressive feeling, 「締め付け」 for tightening or squeezing, and 弾圧 only for political oppression.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 圧力あつりょくpressure
- プレッシャーpressure
- 圧迫あっぱくpressure
- 締め付けしめつけpressure
- 弾圧だんあつoppression
- 切迫せっぱくpressure
- 強圧きょうあつpressure
- 働きかけるはたらきかけるto work on (someone)
- 圧あつpressure
- 働きかけはたらきかけpressure
- 逼迫ひっぱくtightness (of money, financial conditions, etc.)
- 圧搾あっさくpressure
- プレッシャーをかけるto pressure
- おしweight
- 突き上げるつきあげるto put pressure on (one's superiors)
See also
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