ピンチpinchi
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Definitions
- nounpinch; tough spot; bind; crisis; predicament
- nounclothespin; clothes peg
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym窮地きゅうちWrittenA predicament where you've run out of options, as in 「窮地に陥る」; heavier than 「ピンチ」 and leans written/formal.
- Synonym危機ききNeutralA crisis threatening survival or existence, as in 「経済危機」; more formal than 「ピンチ」 and graver in tone.
- Related急場きゅうばNeutralA moment demanding immediate action, as in 「急場をしのぐ」; stresses urgent response rather than the fix you're in.
- Related危急ききゅうWrittenDanger closing in; also a critical medical state, as in 「危急存亡の秋」; written/formal and heavier than 「ピンチ」.
- Related焦眉しょうびWrittenUsually 「焦眉の急」, an urgent matter that brooks no delay; written/formal — in daily speech say 「ピンチ」.
- Relatedまさかの時まさかのときNeutralThe moment something goes wrong, often 「まさかの時に備える」; mostly about being prepared, and less colloquial than 「ピンチ」.
- AntonymチャンスNeutralA good opportunity, the flip side of being in a 「ピンチ」; as in the saying 「ピンチはチャンス」.
For everyday trouble say 「ピンチ」; for a grave crisis say 「危機」; when you're out of options, 「窮地」. The opposite is 「チャンス」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
English equivalents
See also


