In 15 Seconds
- Feeling forced or pushed by external expectations.
- Commonly used in work, politics, and family contexts.
- Implies a loss of personal choice or freedom.
Meaning
This phrase describes the feeling of being pushed or forced by external forces. It’s like someone is leaning on you to make a specific choice.
Key Examples
3 of 6Workplace stress
上司から残業するように圧力を受けている。
I'm being pressured by my boss to work overtime.
Family expectations
親から早く結婚しろという圧力を受けて困っている。
I'm in trouble because my parents are pressuring me to get married soon.
Political news
その企業は政府から強い圧力を受けた。
The company received strong pressure from the government.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Pawahara' (Power Harassment) is a major social issue. It often involves a superior applying {圧力|あつりょく} to a subordinate to meet impossible targets or work excessive hours. 'Silent pressure' ({無言|むごん}の{圧力|あつりょく}) is a key part of Japanese social life. People often feel pressured to conform to the group's behavior without anyone saying a word. Similar to China and Korea, Japanese students face immense pressure from parents and society to succeed in entrance exams, known as 'Exam Hell' ({受験地獄|じゅけんじごく}). In Japanese politics, 'Sontaku' is a famous term where people act based on the perceived pressure from their superiors, even if no direct order was given.
Use with 'Silent'
Combine it with {無言|むごん} (silent) to sound very natural when describing Japanese social situations.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong word. If you use it for small things, you might sound like you're complaining too much.
In 15 Seconds
- Feeling forced or pushed by external expectations.
- Commonly used in work, politics, and family contexts.
- Implies a loss of personal choice or freedom.
What It Means
Imagine a heavy weight sitting on your chest.
That is 圧力を受ける in a social sense.
It means someone is trying to control your actions.
They might use power, status, or even guilt.
You feel like you have very little choice left.
It is not about physical touch or weight.
It is about social or psychological force from others.
It feels like being cornered in a difficult situation.
How To Use It
The grammar for this phrase is quite simple.
You are the subject receiving the action here.
Use the particle から to say who pressures you.
For example, you can say 上司から圧力を受ける.
This means "receiving pressure from the boss."
It sounds more serious than just feeling stressed.
It implies a specific source is pushing you hard.
You can use it in the past tense too.
Just change it to 圧力を受けた for past events.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings very often.
Companies feel pressure from the government or rivals.
Employees feel pressure from their managers or teams.
You can also use it for family situations.
Maybe your parents want you to get married.
It works for political or social contexts too.
Use it when the "push" feels official or heavy.
It is perfect for describing a lack of freedom.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for physical objects.
If a heavy box is on you, don't use this.
Avoid it for light, friendly encouragement from friends.
If a friend says "you can do it," that's not 圧力.
Also, do not use it for internal anxiety.
If you are just nervous, use 緊張する instead.
圧力 always implies an outside force is acting.
It is not a feeling you create yourself.
Cultural Background
Japan values harmony and the "group" very highly.
This sometimes creates a lot of "peer pressure."
There is even a term called 同調圧力 (peer pressure).
It means the pressure to be the same as others.
People often feel this without anyone saying a word.
It is the "invisible hand" of Japanese society.
Understanding this helps you navigate social life there.
Sometimes, "reading the air" is just managing this pressure.
Common Variations
You might hear プレッシャーを感じる for mental stress.
That one is more about your internal feeling.
圧力をかける means you are the one pushing others.
Don't be that person unless you really have to!
圧力がかかる is used when the situation itself is tense.
重圧 (juuatsu) is a "heavy pressure" for extreme cases.
Use 重圧 when the pressure feels like a mountain.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral but leans toward serious or professional contexts. Be careful not to use it for internal anxiety; it specifically requires an external source of pressure.
Use with 'Silent'
Combine it with {無言|むごん} (silent) to sound very natural when describing Japanese social situations.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong word. If you use it for small things, you might sound like you're complaining too much.
The 'Air' factor
Remember that in Japan, pressure is often implied, not stated. This phrase covers both.
Examples
6上司から残業するように圧力を受けている。
I'm being pressured by my boss to work overtime.
A very common workplace scenario using the particle 'kara'.
親から早く結婚しろという圧力を受けて困っている。
I'm in trouble because my parents are pressuring me to get married soon.
Expresses the social weight of family expectations.
その企業は政府から強い圧力を受けた。
The company received strong pressure from the government.
Used in news contexts to describe institutional force.
猫から「おやつをくれ」という無言の圧力を受けている。
I'm receiving silent pressure from my cat to give him treats.
A lighthearted way to use a serious phrase.
飲み会で、もっと飲むように友達から圧力を受けた。
At the drinking party, I was pressured by my friends to drink more.
Describes social peer pressure in a casual setting.
彼は国民からの期待という大きな圧力を受けている。
He is under great pressure from the expectations of the nation.
Shows how 'expectations' can be a form of pressure.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {受|う}ける.
{上司|じょうし}から{強|つよ}い{圧力|あつりょく}を( )、{仕事|しごと}を{辞|や}めた。
The te-form '{受|う}けて' is used here to show the reason for quitting.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am under pressure from my parents'?
Choose the best option:
The standard collocation is {圧力|あつりょく}を{受|う}ける.
Match the modifier with the type of pressure.
Match them:
All of these are common collocations with {圧力|あつりょく}.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {最近|さいきん}、{元気|げんき}ないね。 B: うん、{新|あたら}しいリーダーから( )を{受|う}けてて…。
{圧力|あつりょく} (pressure) is the only word that fits the context of social/professional stress.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{上司|じょうし}から{強|つよ}い{圧力|あつりょく}を( )、{仕事|しごと}を{辞|や}めた。
The te-form '{受|う}けて' is used here to show the reason for quitting.
Choose the best option:
The standard collocation is {圧力|あつりょく}を{受|う}ける.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All of these are common collocations with {圧力|あつりょく}.
A: {最近|さいきん}、{元気|げんき}ないね。 B: うん、{新|あたら}しいリーダーから( )を{受|う}けてて…。
{圧力|あつりょく} (pressure) is the only word that fits the context of social/professional stress.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it's more common in technical or scientific contexts. In daily life, it's 90% psychological.
Usually, yes. It implies you are being forced against your will. However, in sports, it can be seen as a challenge to overcome.
Stress ({ストレス|すとれす}) is the internal feeling. {圧力|あつりょく} is the external cause.
No, that's grammatically awkward. Use {圧力|あつりょく}をかけられる instead if you want a passive form.
You can say {強|つよ}い{圧力|あつりょく}を{受|う}けています or {多大|ただい}な{圧力|あつりょく}を{受|う}けています.
Related Phrases
{圧力|あつりょく}をかける
builds onTo apply pressure to someone.
プレッシャーを{感|かん}じる
similarTo feel pressure.
{同調圧力|どうちょうあつりょく}
specialized formPeer pressure / Conformity pressure.
{屈|くっ}する
contrastTo yield or give in.