压迫

• Pinyin: yā pò
• Hanzi breakdown: 压 = 厂 (cliff) + 土 (earth), meaning to press down; 迫 = 辶 (walk) + 白 (white), meaning to force or compel

Meaning

To oppress; to suppress; oppression. Exerting harsh control or unjust treatment over others.

Used both literally (physical pressure on nerves, organs) and figuratively (social/political oppression). Common phrases: 阶级压迫 (class oppression), 神经压迫 (nerve compression), 压迫感 (sense of oppression). Carries strong negative connotations in social contexts.

Examples

1. 他们那一代人经历过很深的阶级压迫。 Their generation experienced deep class oppression.
2. 肿瘤压迫到神经导致疼痛。 The tumor is compressing the nerve, causing pain.
3. 这种高压管理让员工感到被压迫。 This high-pressure management style makes employees feel oppressed.

Usage Guide

Context: political, social, medical

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 人民不应受到任何压迫。(The people should not suffer any oppression.)
• 颈椎压迫神经会导致手麻。(Cervical spine compression of nerves causes numbness in the hands.)

Don't Say

• 压迫他帮忙 — 应说'强迫他帮忙'，压迫侧重于长期系统性的控制，不用于一次性的强制行为

Origin & History

Compound of 压 (to press, pressure) + 迫 (to compel, force). Together meaning to exert force or control.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal