Definitions

(verb) to press; to push down; to suppress; to keep under control
(noun) pressure

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character 压, traditionally written as 壓, is a phono-semantic compound. Its traditional form combined the earth radical 土 at the bottom, indicating a semantic connection to ground or heavy soil, with the phonetic component 厭 (to detest, to be satiated). The simplified version 压 replaces 厭 with the simpler component 厂 (cliff radical) and 厌, creating a more streamlined structure. The core meaning has consistently centered on the physical action of pressing down, applying weight, crushing, or exerting pressure, which metaphorically extends to concepts like oppression or suppression.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Xin dynasty (9-23 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这本书在桌子上。

Zhè běn shū yā zài zhuōzi shàng.

This book is pressed on the table.

他用手住了那张纸。

Tā yòng shǒu yā zhù le nà zhāng zhǐ.

He used his hand to hold down that piece of paper.

工作力让我很累。

Gōngzuò yālì ràng wǒ hěn lèi.

Work pressure makes me very tired.

缩文件可以节省空间。

Yāsuō wénjiàn kěyǐ jiéshěng kōngjiān.

Compressing files can save space.

抑着自己的情绪。

Tā yāyì zhe zìjǐ de qíngxù.

He is suppressing his emotions.

岁钱是春节的传统。

Yāsuìqián shì chūnjié de chuántǒng.

Lucky money is a tradition of Spring Festival.

这场表演的轴节目很精彩。

Zhè chǎng biǎoyǎn de yāzhòu jiémù hěn jīngcǎi.

The grand finale of this performance is very exciting.

巨大的困难不倒我们。

Jùdà de kùnnan yā bù dǎo wǒmen.

Great difficulties cannot overwhelm us.