Meaning
压力 refers to both physical pressure (force applied to something) and psychological stress or mental pressure. In modern usage, it most commonly describes the stress people feel from work, study, relationships, or life challenges.
Usage
In everyday conversation, 压力 is overwhelmingly used to discuss psychological stress rather than physical pressure. Common contexts include work stress (工作压力), study pressure (学习压力), and life stress (生活压力). The phrase 压力大 (under great stress) is extremely common. Native speakers frequently discuss managing or relieving pressure using 缓解压力 or 减轻压力.
Examples
- 01最近工作压力太大，我常常失眠。, .Work pressure has been too great recently, and I often have insomnia.
- 02运动是缓解压力的好方法。.Exercise is a good way to relieve stress.
Characters
Common collocations
- 工作压力work pressure/stress
- 压力大under great pressure
- 缓解压力to relieve stress
- 承受压力to bear pressure
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'pressing force,' combining 压 (to press down) and 力 (force/power). The psychological meaning of stress emerged as a metaphorical extension of physical pressure.