压力 (yālì)

压力 refers to physical pressure or psychological stress and is one of the most common nouns in modern Chinese to describe life pressures, work burdens, and mental strain.

Meanings

[noun] pressure (physical or psychological); stress; burden

Example Sentences

现代社会的生活压力越来越大。 Xiàndài shèhuì de shēnghuó yālì yuè lái yuè dà. The pressures of life in modern society are growing greater and greater.

他承受着巨大的工作压力。 Tā chéngshòu zhe jùdà de gōngzuò yālì. He is under enormous work pressure.

家长对孩子施加太多的学习压力是有害的。 Jiāzhǎng duì háizi shījiā tài duō de xuéxí yālì shì yǒuhài de. Parents putting too much academic pressure on children is harmful.

在压力下，她反而表现得更好。 Zài yālì xià, tā fǎn'ér biǎoxiàn de gèng hǎo. Under pressure, she actually performs better.

缓解压力的方法有很多，比如运动和冥想。 Huǎnjiě yālì de fāngfǎ yǒu hěn duō, bǐrú yùndòng hé míngxiǎng. There are many ways to relieve stress, such as exercise and meditation.

政府面临着来自各方的压力。 Zhèngfǔ miànlín zhe lái zì gè fāng de yālì. The government is facing pressure from all sides.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
承受压力	to bear / withstand pressure
施加压力	to exert pressure on
缓解压力	to relieve / ease pressure
工作压力	work pressure / occupational stress
压力很大	to be under great pressure
在压力下	under pressure

Usage Notes

压力 combines 压 (to press) and 力 (force/power), giving a concrete image of a force pressing down. In everyday speech it most often refers to psychological stress from work, studies, or family. It collocates naturally with verbs like 承受 (bear), 施加 (exert), 减轻 (reduce), and 缓解 (ease).

The phrase 压力山大 is a popular internet slang term meaning "under enormous pressure," a pun on the name Alexander (亚历山大 Yàlìshāndà).

Memory Hook

压 means "press" and 力 means "force" -- 压力 is literally a force pressing down on you, just like stress in real life.