压力 (yālì) — pressure; stress
HSK 4 | noun | physical force pressing on something, or mental/social stress
压力 (yālì)
压力 refers to physical pressure exerted on an object or, more commonly in everyday Chinese, the psychological stress or burden a person feels.
Meanings
- [noun] Pressure (physical).
- [noun] Stress; pressure; burden (psychological or social).
Example Sentences
工作压力太大让他很难入睡。 Gōngzuò yālì tài dà ràng tā hěn nán rùshuì. The work pressure is so great that he finds it hard to fall asleep.
现代年轻人面临很大的生活压力。 Xiàndài niánqīngrén miànlín hěn dà de shēnghuó yālì. Modern young people face enormous life pressure.
她学会了在压力下保持冷静。 Tā xuéhuìle zài yālì xià bǎochí lěngjìng. She has learned to stay calm under pressure.
来自家庭的压力让他感到疲惫。 Lái zì jiātíng de yālì ràng tā gǎndào píbèi. Pressure from his family left him feeling exhausted.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 工作压力 | work stress |
| 减轻压力 | to relieve/reduce stress |
| 承受压力 | to bear/endure pressure |
| 压力很大 | under great pressure |
| 在压力下 | under pressure |
Usage Notes
压力 is one of the most frequently used words in modern Chinese lifestyle discussions. It collocates with many types of stress: 工作压力 (work), 学业压力 (academic), 生活压力 (life). The pattern 感到压力 (to feel pressure) and 承受压力 (to withstand pressure) are both common.
Memory Hook
压 means "to press down/crush" and 力 means "force/strength" — the force pressing down on you is pressure or stress.