Meaning
Welcome, language learners! Today, we'll look at the N1 kanji 迫. This dynamic character carries core meanings of 'to approach,' 'to press,' or 'to urge.' It depicts something drawing very close, creating a sense of immediacy, pressure, or even compulsion. More than just proximity, it implies active movement towards or forcing a situation.
The kanji 迫 is composed of two main parts: the radical 辶 on the left, which signifies a 'path' or 'movement,' and the component 白 on the right. While 白 typically means 'white,' in this context, it often functions phonetically. Semantically, it might imply moving towards something 'blank' or 'empty,' or even a 'forceful' or 'pressing' action. The combination suggests movement along a path that brings one into close proximity, perhaps even forcing one into a tight spot. Imagine something relentlessly closing in on you, leaving little room or time – that's the essence of 迫.
This kanji can express a wide range of nuances. For instance, it can refer to a deadline 'approaching' (期限が迫る), or describe a person's acting as 'realistic' (迫真) or 'powerful' (迫力). It's also used in terms like 'oppression' or 'persecution' (圧迫, 迫害), highlighting its 'pressing' or 'compelling' aspect. With 8 strokes, 迫 is relatively straightforward to write. It's classified as a 常用漢字 (Jōyō Kanji), meaning it's part of the list of kanji designated for common use. However, its nuanced usage often elevates it to N1-level vocabulary.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 迫 is ハク (HAKU). This reading is frequently found in compound words, often conveying pressure, urging, imminence, or powerful impact. When you encounter ハク in a compound, it usually indicates a word expressing some form of closeness, intensity, or compulsion.
- 圧迫 (appaku) — This means 'pressure,' 'oppression,' or 'coercion.' It literally combines 'pressure' (圧) with 'press/urge' (迫). It's used for physical pressure (e.g., 血圧 / ketsuatsu - blood pressure), social pressure, or even medical pressure.
- 切迫 (seppaku) — This term signifies 'urgency,' 'imminence,' or 'tightness.' The 切 means 'cut' or 'severe,' so when combined with 迫, it emphasizes a situation that is acutely close or critically urgent, like a looming deadline or a crisis.
- 強迫 (kyōhaku) — This refers to 'compulsion' or 'coercion.' Here, 強 means 'strong' or 'forceful.' Thus, 強迫 describes a strong, forceful urging or compelling of someone to do something, often against their will.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading for 迫 is せま.る (semaru). This versatile verb, which can be both transitive and intransitive, beautifully captures the kanji's essence. It means 'to approach,' 'to draw near,' 'to press,' 'to urge,' or 'to be imminent.' You'll find it frequently in everyday conversation, describing situations where something is coming closer in time or space, or becoming more intense.
- 迫る (semaru) — This is the base verb form. For example, 試験が迫る means 'the exam is approaching,' and 敵に迫る means 'to close in on the enemy.' It can also mean to urge or press someone, as in 真実を迫る (to press for the truth).
- 期限が迫る (kigen ga semaru) — A very common phrase meaning 'the deadline is approaching.' This highlights the sense of imminence and urgency that 迫る conveys, especially regarding time.
- 肉迫する (nikuhaku suru) — While 肉迫 itself is an On'yomi compound, it functions as a suru-verb meaning 'to close in on' or 'to get very close to.' Here, 肉 ('flesh' or 'body') emphasizes getting physically close, almost skin-to-skin, to an opponent or target.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 迫 appears in many useful and expressive Japanese words. We'll look at some common compounds, grouped by their thematic emphasis, to help you grasp its various applications.
Words emphasizing Pressure & Urgency
- 圧迫 (appaku) — Pressure, oppression, coercion.
Example: 経済的圧迫 (keizaiteki appaku) — economic pressure.
- 切迫 (seppaku) — Urgency, imminence, tension.
Example: 切迫した状況 (seppaku shita jōkyō) — an urgent situation.
- 緊迫 (kinpaku) — Tension, strain, suspense.
Example: 緊迫した国際情勢 (kinpaku shita kokusai jōsei) — tense international situation.
- 強迫観念 (kyōhaku kannen) — Obsessive idea, compulsion. This is a psychological term.
- 問い迫る (toitsumaru) — To press for an answer, to corner someone with questions.
Words emphasizing Approach & Impact
- 迫る (semaru) — To approach, draw near, press, urge. This is the versatile verb form.
- 迫力 (hakuryoku) — Impact, intensity, power, appeal. Often used to describe something impressive or compelling, like a powerful performance or a thrilling scene.
Example: 迫力のある映画 (hakuryoku no aru eiga) — a powerful/impactful movie.
- 迫真 (hakushin) — Realistic, lifelike, true to life. Used to describe art, acting, or descriptions that are remarkably accurate and convincing.
Example: 迫真の演技 (hakushin no engi) — a realistic performance.
- 迫害 (hakugai) — Persecution. This refers to systematic ill-treatment, often on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political views.
- 肉薄 (nikuhaku) — Closing in, getting very close to (often in pursuit or competition).
Example: 優勝に肉薄する (yūshō ni nikuhaku suru) — to close in on victory.
- 遡迫 (sohaku) — To press back, to return forcibly. This is a less common term, often implying movement against a flow or a forceful return.
Example Sentences
締め切りが迫ってきているので、急いでいます。
Shimekiri ga sematte kite iru node, isoide imasu.
The deadline is approaching, so I'm in a hurry.
彼女の演技にはすごい迫力があった。
Kanojo no engi ni wa sugoi hakuryoku ga atta.
Her performance had incredible impact/power.
私たちは差し迫った危機に直面している。
Watashitachi wa sashisematta kiki ni chokumen shite iru.
We are facing an imminent crisis.
警察は容疑者を隅に追い迫った。
Keisatsu wa yōgisha o sumi ni oisematta.
The police cornered the suspect.
彼は私に真実を迫ったが、私は何も言えなかった。
Kare wa watashi ni shinjitsu o sematta ga, watashi wa nani mo ienakatta.
He pressed me for the truth, but I couldn't say anything.
このドキュメンタリー映画は迫真のリアリティがある。
Kono dokyumentarī eiga wa hakushin no riariti ga aru.
This documentary film has lifelike realism.
緊迫した状況でも、彼は冷静さを保っていた。
Kinpaku shita jōkyō demo, kare wa reiseisa o tamotte ita.
Even in a tense situation, he maintained his composure.
経済的な圧迫が国民の生活を苦しめている。
Keizaiteki na appaku ga kokumin no seikatsu o kurushimete iru.
Economic pressure is making the lives of citizens difficult.
選手たちは優勝に肉薄したが、惜しくも敗れた。
Senshu-tachi wa yūshō ni nikuhaku shita ga, oshiku mo yabureta.
The athletes closed in on victory but unfortunately lost.
その画家は、迫力ある筆致で自然の美しさを描いた。
Sono gaka wa, hakuryoku aru hitchi de shizen no utsukushisa o kaita.
The painter depicted the beauty of nature with powerful brushstrokes.
Memory Tip
Let's craft a visual story to help you remember 迫! Break it down into its components: the 'path' radical 辶 on the left and 白 (white) on the right. Imagine yourself walking along a path. Ahead, a bright, blindingly white light begins to appear. This isn't just a static light; it's actively