压力

• Pinyin: yā lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 压 = 厂 (cliff) + 土 (earth), meaning to press; 力 = pictograph of a plough or muscular arm, meaning force

Meaning

Pressure; stress. Physical force applied to something, or mental and emotional burden.

Used in both physical (气压 atmospheric pressure, 水压 water pressure) and psychological (工作压力 work stress, 学习压力 academic pressure) contexts. Very common in modern life discussions. Related phrases: 有压力 (to be under pressure), 减轻压力 (relieve pressure), 压力大 (high pressure/stress).

Examples

1. 现在年轻人的工作压力很大。 Young people nowadays are under a lot of work pressure.
2. 考试前，很多学生都感到压力。 Before exams, many students feel stressed.
3. 运动是减轻压力的好方法。 Exercise is a good way to relieve stress.

Usage Guide

Context: work, health, education, everyday

Tone: empathetic

Do Say

• 你的压力太大了，休息一下吧。(You're under too much pressure; take a break.)
• 适当的压力可以帮助人进步。(Moderate pressure can help people improve.)

Don't Say

• 我的压力是肚子饿。(Don't use 压力 for simple physical sensations like hunger — it refers to sustained mental or physical force. Say 我肚子饿了.)

Origin & History

压 means 'to press' and 力 means 'force' or 'power'. Together they describe force applied from above or externally — literally or figuratively.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal