圧力を加える
atsuryoku o kuwaeru
apply pressure
Literally: 圧力 (pressure) + を (object marker) + 加える (to add/apply)
In 15 Seconds
- Using power or status to force someone's hand.
- Common in business, politics, and serious social contexts.
- Implies a heavy or unfair use of influence.
Meaning
This phrase describes using power, influence, or status to force someone to act in a certain way. It is like leaning on someone until they give in to your demands.
Key Examples
3 of 6A manager pushing a team for results
部長は売上を上げるために、部下に圧力を加えた。
The manager applied pressure to his subordinates to increase sales.
Politics and international relations
その国は貿易協定のために他国に圧力を加えている。
That country is applying pressure to others for a trade agreement.
A pushy friend trying to get you to go out
飲み会に来いって、そんなに圧力を加えないでよ！
Don't apply so much pressure to make me come to the party!
Cultural Background
In Japanese society, 'pressure' is often felt through unspoken expectations rather than direct commands. While this phrase describes overt pressure, the concept of 'Peer Pressure' (douretsu atsuryoku) is a major social theme in Japan, often discussed in schools and offices regarding conformity.
The 'Kakeru' Alternative
In daily conversation, people often say `圧をかける` (atsu o kakeru). It is shorter and feels more punchy than the full phrase.
Not for Massages!
If you tell a massage therapist to `圧力を加えて`, they might think you want them to lobby the government. Just say `強くしてください` (Please make it stronger).
In 15 Seconds
- Using power or status to force someone's hand.
- Common in business, politics, and serious social contexts.
- Implies a heavy or unfair use of influence.
What It Means
Imagine someone leaning on you.
Not physically, but with their status.
圧力を加える means using power.
You want someone to change their mind.
You use your influence to do it.
It is like adding weight to a scale.
The other person feels they must comply.
It is often about social or professional force.
How To Use It
You use this when describing power dynamics.
It usually involves a person with more power.
Think of a boss or a government.
You can use it with the particle に.
For example, AがBに圧力を加える.
This means A is pressuring B.
It sounds quite serious and direct.
Use it when the situation feels heavy.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings or news.
It fits perfectly for political discussions.
Use it when a company forces a supplier.
It works for pushy sales tactics too.
You might use it when talking about parents.
Specifically, when they push kids to study.
It is great for describing unfair situations.
Use it when someone is being a bully.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical therapy.
For a massage, use 圧をかける.
Do not use it for bicycle tires.
For air pressure, use 空気を入れる.
It is too heavy for light suggestions.
If a friend suggests a movie, don't use it.
That would sound like they are a dictator.
Keep it for real, significant influence.
Cultural Background
Japan values harmony and 'reading the air'.
Direct pressure is often seen as rude.
However, silent pressure is very common.
This is called 忖度 (sontaku) or guessing wishes.
圧力を加える describes the more overt kind.
It implies someone is breaking the social peace.
In Japanese history, power was often subtle.
Using this phrase highlights a lack of subtlety.
Common Variations
You will often hear 圧力をかける.
This is almost identical in meaning.
かける feels a bit more active.
加える feels like a formal 'addition' of force.
You might also see プレッシャーを与える.
This is used more for mental stress.
圧力 is usually about external control.
Usage Notes
This is a B1 level phrase that is very useful in business and news contexts. It is formal but can be used in casual speech for dramatic or humorous effect when someone is being pushy.
The 'Kakeru' Alternative
In daily conversation, people often say `圧をかける` (atsu o kakeru). It is shorter and feels more punchy than the full phrase.
Not for Massages!
If you tell a massage therapist to `圧力を加えて`, they might think you want them to lobby the government. Just say `強くしてください` (Please make it stronger).
The Silent Pressure
In Japan, the most powerful pressure is often silent. If everyone is working late, you feel 'pressure' to stay too. This is the essence of Japanese social dynamics.
Examples
6部長は売上を上げるために、部下に圧力を加えた。
The manager applied pressure to his subordinates to increase sales.
A classic workplace scenario involving hierarchy.
その国は貿易協定のために他国に圧力を加えている。
That country is applying pressure to others for a trade agreement.
Used frequently in news and political reporting.
飲み会に来いって、そんなに圧力を加えないでよ！
Don't apply so much pressure to make me come to the party!
A slightly exaggerated, humorous way to tell a friend to stop being pushy.
店員がすごく圧力を加えてきて、怖かった。
The clerk was really pressuring me, it was scary.
Describes the feeling of being forced into a purchase.
両親は私に医者になるよう強い圧力を加えている。
My parents are putting strong pressure on me to become a doctor.
Expresses a heavy emotional burden from family.
うちの猫は、お腹が空くと鳴き声で圧力を加えてくる。
My cat applies pressure with its meowing when it's hungry.
Uses a serious phrase for a cute, trivial situation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to show who the pressure is being applied to.
政府は企業___圧力を加えて、給料を上げさせた。
The particle `に` indicates the target of the pressure.
Which verb correctly completes the collocation for 'applying pressure'?
無理やり契約させるために圧力を___。
`加える` (to add/apply) is the standard verb paired with `圧力`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Atsuryoku o Kuwaeru'
Using 'atsu o kakeru' with friends.
圧をかけないで！
Describing a pushy salesperson.
圧力を加えてくる。
Business or political reporting.
他国に圧力を加える。
Where you'll encounter 'Atsuryoku o Kuwaeru'
Corporate Office
Boss demanding overtime.
News Broadcast
Economic sanctions.
Family Dinner
Parents asking about marriage.
Retail Store
Aggressive sales staff.
Practice Bank
2 exercises政府は企業___圧力を加えて、給料を上げさせた。
The particle `に` indicates the target of the pressure.
無理やり契約させるために圧力を___。
`加える` (to add/apply) is the standard verb paired with `圧力`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds very scientific or like a news report. For everyday physical force, use 押す (push) or 力を入れる (put strength into).
Usually, yes. It implies that the person being pressured doesn't want to do the action. It has a negative connotation of coercion.
加える (kuwaeru) sounds more formal and deliberate, like adding a weight. かける (kakeru) is more common and feels more active or immediate.
Yes! You can say a defense is 圧力を加える to the quarterback. It describes intense strategic pressure.
The specific term is 同調圧力 (doucho atsuryoku). It means the pressure to conform to the group.
Often! Villains or powerful characters use it when they are intimidating someone with their 'aura' or status.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 自由を与える (give freedom) or 放っておく (leave alone) work as conceptual opposites.
You wouldn't use it for the exam itself, but you could say your parents are 圧力を加える for you to pass them.
Only if you are describing someone else's boss. Telling your own boss he is applying pressure might be seen as a direct confrontation.
No, it almost always refers to psychological, social, or economic force rather than physical hitting.
Related Phrases
圧をかける
To put pressure on (more common/casual).
無理強いする
To force someone to do something against their will.
プレッシャーを感じる
To feel pressure (internal feeling).
強要する
To coerce or extort (very formal/legal).
