Meaning
The kanji 圧 (あつ) is a fundamental character in Japanese, primarily conveying the core ideas of 'pressure', 'oppression', and 'compression'. It signifies a force exerted on something, whether physical, emotional, or societal. This concept extends to 'overwhelm' when discussing power or influence, and 'push' in a more abstract sense. Its visual form offers a strong hint at its meaning.
Historically, 圧 is a simplified form of the character 壓. The older form depicted a hand (又) pushing down on an object (土, originally a depiction of something being pressed or a container) under a cliff or roof (厂). The modern simplified form 圧 retains the 'cliff' radical (厂) at the top, which immediately suggests something pressing down from above. The component below, simplified from what originally represented the object or ground, reinforces the idea of being constrained or pressed. Thus, the kanji visually communicates a force pressing down, evoking feelings of weight, suppression, or physical compaction.
This 5-stroke kanji is taught in Grade 8 of Japanese schooling, making it a Jōyō kanji. Its frequent appearance in scientific, medical, and social contexts makes it essential for intermediate to advanced learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary and most common on'yomi for 圧 is アツ. This reading is used almost exclusively in compound words, which are plentiful and appear across diverse fields from physics to social dynamics. Familiarizing yourself with its various compounds is crucial for truly grasping this kanji.
- 圧力 (atsuryoku) — meaning 'pressure' or 'stress'. This versatile word appears in many contexts, such as atmospheric pressure (気圧), blood pressure (血圧), or even the mental pressure one feels before an exam.
- 圧倒 (attou) — meaning 'overwhelm', 'overpower', or 'dominate'. It's often used to describe a decisive victory, like a landslide win, or a powerful, overwhelming presence.
- 加圧 (kaatsu) — meaning 'pressurization' or 'adding pressure'. Commonly found in scientific or engineering contexts, such as pressurizing a cabin.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
While dictionaries may list お.す and おさ.える as kun'yomi for 圧, learners should be aware that 圧 is almost never used alone with these readings in modern Japanese. The concepts of 'to push' or 'to suppress' are far more commonly expressed by other kanji like 押 (おす) or 抑 (おさえる), respectively. When 圧 does appear in a compound verb that uses these sounds, such as in 圧し殺す (おしころす - to crush to death), the 'o' sound typically originates from the compound verb itself, not from 圧 functioning as a standalone verb. For practical purposes, therefore, it's best to prioritize learning the on'yomi アツ for this kanji, as its direct kun'yomi usage is exceptionally rare or considered archaic.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 圧 forms numerous compounds, indicating its broad applicability across various fields. Here are some key examples categorized by their common usage:
Scientific and Engineering Terms
- 気圧 (kiatsu) — atmospheric pressure
- 水圧 (suiatsu) — water pressure
- 減圧 (gen'atsu) — depressurization, reduced pressure
- 高圧 (kōatsu) — high pressure
Medical and Health Terms
- 血圧 (ketsuatsu) — blood pressure
- 低血圧 (teiketsuatsu) — low blood pressure
- 高血圧症 (kōketsuatsushō) — hypertension
Social and Abstract Concepts
- 圧迫 (appaku) — pressure, oppression, coercion
- 弾圧 (dan'atsu) — suppression, oppression (often political)
- 抑圧 (yokuatsu) — suppression, repression (often psychological)
- 重圧 (jūatsu) — heavy pressure, burden
Action-Related Terms
- 圧勝 (asshō) — overwhelming victory, landslide win
- 制圧 (seiatsu) — control, subdue, suppress
- 威圧 (iatsu) — coercion, intimidation
Example Sentences
この部屋は気圧が低いので、注意が必要です。
Kono heya wa kiatsu ga hikui node, chūi ga hitsuyō desu.
This room has low atmospheric pressure, so caution is necessary.
試験の前はいつも大きな圧力を感じます。
Shiken no mae wa itsumo ookina atsuryoku o kanjimasu.
I always feel a lot of pressure before exams.
その選手は相手を圧倒する力を持っていた。
Sono senshu wa aite o attō suru chikara o motteita.
That player had the power to overwhelm their opponent.
高血圧は健康に悪影響を与えることがあります。
Kōketsuatsu wa kenkō ni akueikyō o ataeru koto ga arimasu.
High blood pressure can have a negative impact on health.
この装置は内部を加圧することで性能を高める。
Kono sōchi wa naibu o kaatsu suru koto de seinō o takameru.
This device enhances performance by pressurizing its interior.
その出来事は、国民への政治的な弾圧として記憶されている。
Sono dekigoto wa, kokumin e no seijiteki na dan'atsu to shite kioku sareteiru.
That event is remembered as political oppression against the citizens.
経済的な重圧が、彼にのしかかっていた。
Keizaiteki na jūatsu ga, kare ni noshikakatteita.
Economic pressure was weighing heavily on him.
チームは前半から相手を圧倒的な攻撃で制圧した。
Chīmu wa zenhan kara aite o attōteki na kōgeki de seiatsu shita.
The team dominated the opponent with an overwhelming offense from the first half.
Memory Tip
To remember 圧, visualize a heavy 'cliff' or 'roof' (厂) pressing down on something beneath it. The lower component resembles a 'seal' or 'stamp' (and also appears in characters like 危, hinting at something precarious or under duress). Imagine the immense pressure of a rock falling from a cliff, or a massive roof pressing down on an object. The radical 厂 itself means "cliff" or "steep slope," which naturally conveys a sense of weight or overhang. This vivid image of something being physically compressed or subjected to force from above directly connects to the kanji's core meanings of 'pressure' or 'oppression,' making it easier to recall its significance. Think of a compressed 'seal' under a 'cliff'.