Definitions

(verb) to force; to compel
(verb) to approach; to draw near
(adjective) urgent; pressing

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 迫 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 辶 (walking/movement) indicates the character’s original meaning related to physical approach or closing in. The component 白 provides the phonetic element. This sense of physical approach later extended metaphorically to abstract compulsion, giving the modern meanings of forcing, pressing, or coercing.

Example Sentences Hide

形势非常紧

Xíngshì fēicháng jǐnpò.

The situation is very pressing.

我们切需要水。

Wǒmen pòqiè xūyào shuǐ.

We urgently need water.

饥饿使他偷窃。

Jī'è pòshǐ tā tōuqiè.

Hunger forced him to steal.

离开家乡很伤心。

Bèipò líkāi jiāxiāng hěn shāngxīn.

Being forced to leave hometown is very sad.

经济压导致反抗。

Jīngjì yāpò dǎozhì fǎnkàng.

Economic oppression leads to rebellion.

近的考试让我焦虑。

Pòjìn de kǎoshì ràng wǒ jiāolǜ.

The approaching exam makes me anxious.

在压力逼下,他同意了。

Zài yālì bīpò xià, tā tóngyì le.

Under the pressure, he agreed.

这种紧感促使我们行动。

Zhè zhǒng jǐnpògǎn cùshǐ wǒmen xíngdòng.

This sense of urgency prompts us to act.