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A2 noun #7,000 most common 11 min read

血圧

ketsuatsu Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 血圧 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 血圧 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that **血圧 (ketsuatsu)** means 'blood pressure'. You should recognize it when you see it in a hospital or on a health machine. It is a noun. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Ketsuatsu ga takai' (Blood pressure is high) or 'Ketsuatsu ga hikui' (Blood pressure is low). Think of it as a basic health word. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that 'ketsuatsu' is made of 'ketsu' (blood) and 'atsu' (pressure). If you go to a Japanese pharmacy, you might see a machine with this word on it. You can sit down and try it! It is a useful word for basic self-care and staying healthy while traveling or living in Japan. At this stage, focus on the sound 'ke-tsu-a-tsu' and the simple adjectives 'takai' (high) and 'hikui' (low). You are building the foundation for more complex medical Japanese later on.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use **血圧 (ketsuatsu)** in more complete sentences. You should know the verb **測る (hakaru)**, which means 'to measure'. So, you can say 'Ketsuatsu wo hakarimasu' (I measure my blood pressure). You should also understand that Japanese people talk about blood pressure a lot because they care about health. You might hear a doctor say this word during a checkup. You should also learn the words **高血圧 (kōketsuatsu)** for high blood pressure and **低血圧 (teiketsuatsu)** for low blood pressure. These are common 'labels' for health conditions. At A2, you are starting to use particles like 'ga' and 'wo' correctly with this word. For example, 'Ketsuatsu ga agarimasu' (Blood pressure rises). You are moving beyond just naming the word to describing actions and changes related to it. This is very helpful for daily life and basic medical appointments.

At the B1 level, you can discuss **血圧 (ketsuatsu)** in the context of lifestyle and health habits. You can explain *why* blood pressure changes. For example, 'Salt makes blood pressure go up' (Enbun wa ketsuatsu wo agemasu). You should be comfortable using transitive and intransitive verbs like **上がる (agaru)** and **上げる (ageru)**. You can also talk about the results of a health checkup (**健康診断 - kenkō shindan**). You might use phrases like 'Ketsuatsu ga antei shite iru' (Blood pressure is stable). At this level, you should also know the word for a blood pressure monitor, **血圧計 (ketsuatsukei)**. You can participate in conversations about health trends in Japan, such as the popularity of foods that claim to lower blood pressure. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like **生活習慣病 (seikatsu shūkanbyō)**, which means 'lifestyle-related diseases,' of which high blood pressure is a major part. You are becoming more functional in real-world Japanese health contexts.

At the B2 level, you can understand detailed medical explanations involving **血圧 (ketsuatsu)**. You should know technical terms like **最高血圧 (saikō ketsuatsu)** for systolic and **最低血圧 (saitei ketsuatsu)** for diastolic pressure. You can read health articles in newspapers or magazines that discuss the risks of **高血圧 (kōketsuatsu)**, such as stroke or heart disease. You can use the word in more abstract or metaphorical ways, though it remains primarily medical. You should be able to explain the side effects of **降圧剤 (kōatsuzai)** (blood pressure medication) or discuss the impact of stress on the cardiovascular system. Your grammar should be precise, using passive forms like 'Ketsuatsu ga takai to iwaremashita' (I was told my blood pressure is high). You can also understand nuances in formal health reports and follow advice from a Japanese specialist without needing much simplification. You are now able to navigate the Japanese healthcare system with significant independence.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the socio-medical implications of **血圧 (ketsuatsu)** in Japanese society. You can analyze public health policies regarding hypertension management and the history of sodium reduction campaigns in Japan. You can use the word in academic or professional settings, such as presenting research on cardiovascular health. You are familiar with formal kanji compounds like **血圧変動 (ketsuatsu hendō)** (blood pressure fluctuation) or **血圧降下作用 (ketsuatsu kōka sayō)** (blood pressure lowering effect). You can engage in nuanced debates about the over-medicalization of blood pressure in the elderly or the cultural differences in how blood pressure is perceived between Japan and the West. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can switch between casual, polite, and honorific registers when discussing health with different people, from a close friend to a senior consultant.

At the C2 level, you have mastered **血圧 (ketsuatsu)** in all its linguistic and cultural complexity. You can interpret high-level medical journals, legal documents related to health insurance, and complex pharmacological data regarding blood pressure treatments. You understand the etymological roots of the kanji and can discuss the evolution of medical terminology in Japan from the Edo period to the present. You can use the term in highly sophisticated rhetorical contexts, perhaps in literature or advanced social commentary. You are capable of providing expert-level advice or translation in medical fields involving cardiology. Your understanding includes not just the word itself, but the entire ecosystem of health, philosophy, and science that surrounds it in the Japanese language. You can navigate the most complex health-related social interactions with perfect ease and cultural sensitivity, understanding the unspoken implications when a Japanese person mentions their 'ketsuatsu' in a specific social setting.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

血圧 in 30 Seconds

血圧 (Ketsuatsu) means blood pressure, a vital health metric in Japanese culture.
Use 'takai' for high and 'hikui' for low blood pressure in simple sentences.
The verb 'hakaru' (測る) is specifically used for measuring blood pressure.
Commonly discussed during Japan's mandatory annual health checkups (Ningen Dock).

The Japanese word 血圧 (けつあつ - ketsuatsu) is a fundamental medical and health-related term that translates directly to 'blood pressure' in English. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word is composed of two powerful kanji characters: 血 (chi/ketsu), meaning 'blood', and 圧 (atsu), meaning 'pressure' or 'force'. Together, they describe the physiological force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries. Understanding this word is crucial not only for medical professionals but for anyone living in Japan, as health consciousness is deeply embedded in the culture. From the annual health checkups known as 健康診断 (kenkō shindan) to the ubiquitous blood pressure monitors found in public pharmacies and even some convenience stores, 'ketsuatsu' is a word you will encounter frequently.

Medical Context: In a clinical setting, doctors will use 'ketsuatsu' to discuss your vitals. You might hear '血圧を測ります' (I will measure your blood pressure). It is often categorized into 'systolic' (最高血圧 - saikō ketsuatsu) and 'diastolic' (最低血圧 - saitei ketsuatsu).

毎朝、自分の血圧を測って記録しています。
(I measure and record my blood pressure every morning.)

Beyond the doctor's office, 'ketsuatsu' appears in daily conversations regarding lifestyle and stress. Because Japan has a high rate of sodium consumption through traditional foods like miso soup and soy sauce, discussions about 高血圧 (kōketsuatsu - high blood pressure) are very common among the middle-aged and elderly populations. Conversely, younger individuals or those prone to dizziness might talk about 低血圧 (teiketsuatsu - low blood pressure), particularly in the context of having trouble waking up in the morning, which is a common cultural trope in Japan.

Daily Life Usage: When buying health supplements or choosing food at the supermarket, look for labels saying '血圧が高めの方に' (For those with slightly high blood pressure). This is a standard marketing phrase for functional foods (Tokuhu).

塩分を控えないと、血圧が上がってしまいますよ。
(If you don't cut back on salt, your blood pressure will go up.)

The word is also used metaphorically in some contexts to describe excitement or anger, similar to the English phrase 'my blood pressure is rising.' However, in Japanese, it is more commonly used in a literal sense. The grammatical structure usually involves the particle 'ga' (subject) followed by 'takai' (high), 'hikui' (low), 'agaru' (rise), or 'sagaru' (fall). When you are the one performing the action of measuring, you use 'wo' with 'hakaru'. Mastering 'ketsuatsu' is a gateway to understanding Japanese health culture and navigating medical interactions with confidence.

Professional Environment: In Japanese companies, employees are required to take a yearly health check. The 'ketsuatsu' measurement is one of the most scrutinized results, often leading to mandatory consultations with industrial physicians if the numbers are high.

健康診断の結果、血圧に問題がありました。
(As a result of the health checkup, there was a problem with my blood pressure.)

Using 血圧 (ketsuatsu) in sentences requires a grasp of specific verbs that describe movement or states of being. Because blood pressure is a numerical value that fluctuates, we use verbs related to measurement and change. The most basic sentence pattern is [Subject] + が + [Adjective]. For example, '血圧が高い' (ketsuatsu ga takai) means 'blood pressure is high.' This is the standard way to describe hypertension in a non-clinical, everyday way. Conversely, '血圧が低い' (ketsuatsu ga hikui) describes hypotension. It is important to note that in Japanese, we do not 'have' blood pressure in the way English speakers might say 'I have high blood pressure'; instead, we say the blood pressure 'is high' or 'is low'.

最近、血圧が安定しています。
(Recently, my blood pressure has been stable.)

When talking about the action of measuring, the verb 測る (hakaru) is used. This specific kanji for 'hakaru' is used for measurements involving gauges or instruments (like thermometers or scales). The sentence structure is 血圧を測る. If you want to say 'I had my blood pressure measured,' you would use the causative-passive or a simple passive form: '血圧を測ってもらいました' (I had [someone] measure my blood pressure). This is very common in hospital settings. Another important set of verbs are 上がる (agaru - to rise) and 下がる (sagaru - to fall). These describe the fluctuation of pressure due to exercise, stress, or medication.

Verb Pairings: 1. 血圧を測る (Measure)
2. 血圧が上がる (Rise)
3. 血圧を下げる (Lower - transitive)
4. 血圧が下がる (Fall - intransitive)

In more formal or medical contexts, nouns are often combined to form compounds. For example, 血圧計 (ketsuatsukei) is a blood pressure monitor. You might say '血圧計を買いました' (I bought a blood pressure monitor). If you are discussing medication, you would use 血圧の薬 (ketsuatsu no kusuri) or the more technical 降圧剤 (kōatsuzai), which literally means 'pressure-lowering agent'. When describing a sudden spike, the word '急上昇' (kyūjōshō - sudden rise) can be used, as in '血圧が急上昇した' (Blood pressure spiked).

運動をすると、一時的に血圧が上がります。
(When you exercise, your blood pressure temporarily rises.)

Finally, consider the use of adverbs. Words like 常に (tsuneni - always), 時々 (tokidoki - sometimes), or 急に (kyū ni - suddenly) add necessary detail. '私の血圧は常に高いです' (My blood pressure is always high). In Japanese culture, discussing one's 'ketsuatsu' is not considered overly private among friends and colleagues, especially as people age, so being able to use these patterns naturally will help you engage in common 'small talk' about health and well-being.

The word 血圧 (ketsuatsu) is ubiquitous in Japan, a country with one of the world's highest life expectancies and a corresponding obsession with health maintenance. You will hear it most frequently in medical settings. Upon entering a clinic (kurinikku) or a large hospital (byōin), one of the first things a nurse might say is 'まず血圧を測りましょう' (First, let's measure your blood pressure). Many Japanese hospitals have automated blood pressure machines in the waiting area, often with a sign saying '血圧測定 (ketsuatsu sokutei)' - Blood Pressure Measurement. People of all ages can be seen sitting there, inserting their arms into the cuff before their appointment.

Television & Media: Daytime television in Japan is filled with health variety shows. Experts often discuss how to manage 'ketsuatsu' through diet, such as eating fermented foods or reducing salt. Commercials for GABA-enriched chocolates or special teas (Tokuhu) frequently mention 'ketsuatsu' to appeal to health-conscious viewers.

テレビで、血圧を下げる体操を紹介していました。
(They were introducing exercises to lower blood pressure on TV.)

In the workplace, 'ketsuatsu' is a key term during the Ningen Dock (comprehensive health screening). Employers are legally required to provide annual checkups, and employees often discuss their results with each other. A colleague might say, '血圧が高すぎて、再検査になったよ' (My blood pressure was too high, so I have to get re-tested). This openness reflects a collective social responsibility toward health in Japanese corporate culture. You will also hear it in pharmacies (yakkyoku), where pharmacists explain the side effects of medication, or in the health aisle of supermarkets where products are marketed specifically to lower blood pressure.

Gyms & Fitness Centers: Before starting a workout or using a public bath (sento/onsen), you might see a blood pressure monitor. Signs often warn: '血圧が高い方は入浴をお控えください' (Those with high blood pressure should refrain from bathing).

お風呂に入る前に、血圧をチェックしてください。
(Please check your blood pressure before entering the bath.)

Lastly, in the context of sports and exercise, coaches might monitor an athlete's 'ketsuatsu' to prevent overtraining. In anime or drama, you might see a character clutching their head and complaining of high blood pressure after a stressful event, though this is often played for comedic effect. In all these contexts, 'ketsuatsu' remains a vital piece of vocabulary for navigating daily life and maintaining health in Japan.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 血圧 (ketsuatsu) is applying English grammatical structures directly to Japanese. In English, we say 'I have high blood pressure.' In Japanese, however, you do not use the verb for possession (aru/motsu). Instead, you must say 'Blood pressure is high' (血圧が高い). Using '血圧を持っています' (I have blood pressure) sounds very strange to a native speaker, as it implies you are carrying the concept of blood pressure like an object. This is a classic 'interlanguage' error where the learner's native grammar interferes with the target language.

Wrong Verb Selection: Mistake: 血圧を数える (ketsuatsu wo kazaeru - to count blood pressure).
Correct: 血圧を測る (ketsuatsu wo hakaru - to measure blood pressure). In Japanese, numbers like blood pressure or temperature are 'measured,' not 'counted.'

❌ 私は高い血圧を持っています。
✅ 私は血圧が高いです。

Another frequent error involves the confusion between 上がる (agaru) and 上げる (ageru). 'Agaru' is an intransitive verb, meaning something goes up on its own (e.g., 'Blood pressure rose'). 'Ageru' is transitive, meaning someone or something causes it to go up (e.g., 'Salt raises blood pressure'). Learners often mix these up, saying '塩分が血圧を上がります' (Salt blood pressure rises) instead of '塩分が血圧を上げます' (Salt raises blood pressure). Paying attention to the particles 'ga' and 'wo' is key here: 'ketsuatsu GA agaru' vs. 'ketsuatsu WO ageru'.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The 'tsu' in 'ketsu' and the 'atsu' must be clearly articulated. Some learners tend to drop the final 'u' sound too much or blend the two kanji into a single blurred sound. It should be 'ke-tsu-a-tsu'. Additionally, when talking about 'high blood pressure' as a medical condition, the term is 高血圧 (kōketsuatsu). Learners sometimes try to say '高い血圧' (takai ketsuatsu), which is grammatically correct but sounds less natural than the compound noun 'kōketsuatsu' when referring to the diagnosis of hypertension.

Confusion with Heart Rate: Learners sometimes use 'ketsuatsu' when they mean 'heart rate' (心拍数 - shinpakusū) or 'pulse' (脈拍 - myakuhaku). Make sure you are measuring the pressure, not the beats per minute!

❌ 走った後、血圧が速いです。
✅ 走った後、脈拍が速いです。/ 血圧が高いです。

While 血圧 (ketsuatsu) is the standard term for blood pressure, there are several related words that learners should know to sound more natural and precise in different contexts. The most common variations are the compounds 高血圧 (kōketsuatsu) for hypertension and 低血圧 (teiketsuatsu) for hypotension. These are used as medical diagnoses. If you want to talk about the 'top' number (systolic), you use 上の血圧 (ue no ketsuatsu) or 最高血圧 (saikō ketsuatsu). For the 'bottom' number (diastolic), use 下の血圧 (shita no ketsuatsu) or 最低血圧 (saitei ketsuatsu). In casual conversation, 'ue' and 'shita' are much more common.

Ketsuatsu vs. Myakuhaku: 血圧 (Ketsuatsu): The pressure of the blood.
脈拍 (Myakuhaku): The pulse or heart rate.
Usage: You measure 'ketsuatsu' with a cuff, but you can feel 'myakuhaku' on your wrist.

医者に、最高血圧が高いと言われました。
(The doctor told me my systolic blood pressure is high.)

Another related term is 血行 (kekko), which refers to blood circulation. While 'ketsuatsu' describes pressure, 'kekko' describes the flow. People often say '血行を良くする' (to improve circulation) by taking a hot bath or exercising. If you are talking about the health of your blood vessels specifically, you might use 血管 (kekkan). For example, '血管を健康に保つ' (to keep blood vessels healthy). In a very formal medical report, you might see 血圧値 (ketsuatsu-chi), which means 'blood pressure value' or 'reading'.

Comparison: Ketsuatsu vs. Shinatsuryoku: While 'ketsuatsu' is blood pressure, 心圧力 (shin-atsuryoku) is a much rarer, more poetic or highly technical term for heart pressure. In 99% of cases, stick with 'ketsuatsu'.

お風呂は血行を良くしますが、急激な血圧の変化には注意が必要です。
(Baths improve circulation, but you need to be careful of sudden changes in blood pressure.)

Lastly, for those interested in traditional Japanese medicine (Kanpō), you might hear terms related to 'Ki' (energy) flow, but 'ketsuatsu' remains the standard scientific term used by all practitioners today. Understanding these nuances—from the casual 'ue/shita' to the technical 'ketsuatsukei'—will make your Japanese sound much more sophisticated and natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'blood' (血) is a pictograph of a sacrificial bowl with a drop of blood in it. The kanji for 'pressure' (圧) originally depicted a cliff with something pressing down on it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK ketsu-atsu

US ketsu-atsu

Flat pitch (Heiban) in most dialects, meaning the syllables are relatively even in tone after the first one.

Rhymes With

Hatsu (Departure) Natsu (Summer) Matsu (Wait) Tatsu (Stand) Katsu (Win) Batsu (Punishment) Satsu (Banknote) Gatsu (Month)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ketsu' as 'ketsu-u' with a long vowel.
Blending the two 'tsu' sounds into one long messy sound.
Pronouncing 'atsu' like 'at-soo' with an English 'a' as in 'cat'. It should be 'ah' as in 'father'.
Dropping the 'u' in 'ketsu' too much (kets-atsu).
Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese is pitch-accent based, not stress-based).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common and learned early in Japanese education.

Writing 3/5

The kanji '圧' can be tricky for beginners to balance correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once 'tsu' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct sounds, easy to pick out in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

血 (Blood) 高い (High) 低い (Low) 測る (Measure) 体 (Body)

Learn Next

心臓 (Heart) 血管 (Blood vessel) 健康 (Health) 病院 (Hospital) 薬 (Medicine)

Advanced

動脈硬化 (Arteriosclerosis) 脳卒中 (Stroke) 自律神経 (Autonomic nervous system) 代謝 (Metabolism) 塩分摂取量 (Salt intake amount)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

血圧が上がる (BP rises) vs 血圧を上げる (To raise BP).

Adjectives with 'ga'

血圧が高い (Blood pressure is high).

Compound Noun Formation

高 + 血圧 = 高血圧 (Hypertension).

Te-form for State/Reason

血圧が低くて、起きられません (I can't get up because my BP is low).

Nominalization with 'Koto'

血圧を測ることは大切です (Measuring blood pressure is important).

Examples by Level

血圧が高いです。

Blood pressure is high.

Subject + ga + Adjective.

血圧が低いです。

Blood pressure is low.

Subject + ga + Adjective.

血圧を測ります。

I will measure blood pressure.

Object + wo + Verb.

これは血圧計です。

This is a blood pressure monitor.

Noun + desu.

血圧はどうですか？

How is your blood pressure?

Question form.

私の血圧は普通です。

My blood pressure is normal.

Topic + wa + Adjective.

血圧をチェックします。

I will check my blood pressure.

Check (katakana) + shimasu.

血圧、大丈夫？

Is your blood pressure okay?

Informal question.

毎日、血圧を測っています。

I measure my blood pressure every day.

Te-form + iru (continuous action).

コーヒーを飲むと、血圧が上がります。

When I drink coffee, my blood pressure rises.

To-particle (conditional).

父は血圧が高いので、心配です。

I'm worried because my father has high blood pressure.

Node (reason).

血圧を下げるために、運動します。

I exercise in order to lower my blood pressure.

Tame ni (purpose).

病院で血圧を測ってもらいました。

I had my blood pressure measured at the hospital.

Te-morau (benefactive).

血圧の薬を飲んでいますか？

Are you taking blood pressure medication?

Noun + no + Noun.

朝は血圧が低くて、起きられません。

My blood pressure is low in the morning, so I can't get up.

Te-form (reason/cause).

血圧の数値を見せてください。

Please show me the blood pressure numbers.

Te-kudasai (request).

最近、血圧が安定してきたので安心しました。

I'm relieved because my blood pressure has become stable recently.

Te-kuru (gradual change).

塩分を控えることで、血圧をコントロールできます。

You can control blood pressure by cutting back on salt.

Koto de (means/method).

血圧が急に上がったので、少し休みます。

My blood pressure rose suddenly, so I'll rest for a bit.

Kyū ni (adverb).

血圧が高い状態が続くと、体に良くありません。

If the state of high blood pressure continues, it's not good for the body.

Jōtai (state) + ga + tsuzuku (continue).

ストレスは血圧に大きな影響を与えます。

Stress has a big influence on blood pressure.

Eikyō wo ataeru (to influence).

健康診断で血圧を再検査することになりました。

It was decided that I would re-test my blood pressure at the health checkup.

Koto ni naru (decided by external factor).

血圧を測る時は、リラックスしてください。

When measuring blood pressure, please relax.

Toki (when).

このお茶は血圧が高めの方に適しています。

This tea is suitable for those with slightly high blood pressure.

Tekishite iru (suitable).

血圧の変動が激しいので、精密検査が必要です。

Because the blood pressure fluctuations are intense, a detailed examination is necessary.

Hendō (fluctuation) + ga + hageshii (intense).

高血圧はサイレントキラーと呼ばれています。

High blood pressure is called the 'silent killer'.

Passive form (yobareru).

血圧を下げるための食事療法について相談したいです。

I want to consult about dietary therapy to lower blood pressure.

Shokuji ryōhō (dietary therapy).

血圧計の使い方が正しくないと、正確な数値が出ません。

If the way you use the blood pressure monitor isn't correct, accurate numbers won't come out.

Tsukaikata (how to use) + nai to (conditional).

加齢に伴い、血圧が上昇する傾向があります。

With aging, there is a tendency for blood pressure to rise.

Ni tomonai (along with).

冬場は寒さで血管が収縮し、血圧が上がりやすくなります。

In winter, blood vessels contract due to the cold, making it easier for blood pressure to rise.

Stem + yasui (easy to).

定期的に血圧を記録することは、病気の予防に繋がります。

Recording blood pressure regularly leads to the prevention of disease.

Ni tsunagaru (leads to).

血圧が正常範囲内に収まっているので、薬の量を減らしましょう。

Since your blood pressure is within the normal range, let's reduce the amount of medicine.

Osamaru (to fit/stay within).

血圧の自己管理は、高齢社会における重要な課題です。

Self-management of blood pressure is an important issue in an aging society.

Jiko kanri (self-management).

降圧剤の服用を急に止めると、血圧がリバウンドする恐れがあります。

If you suddenly stop taking blood pressure medication, there is a risk of blood pressure rebounding.

Osore ga aru (there is a fear/risk).

血圧の推移を長期的に観察し、治療方針を決定します。

We will observe the transition of blood pressure long-term and decide the treatment policy.

Suī (transition/trend).

白衣高血圧とは、病院で測る時だけ血圧が上がってしまう現象です。

White coat hypertension is a phenomenon where blood pressure rises only when measured at a hospital.

Hakui kōketsuatsu (white coat hypertension).

血圧抑制効果があるとされる成分が、この食品には含まれています。

This food contains ingredients that are said to have a blood pressure suppressing effect.

Yokusei kōka (suppressing effect).

血圧の測定値には、測定時の姿勢や時間帯が大きく関与します。

The posture and time of day at the time of measurement are greatly involved in blood pressure readings.

Kanyo suru (to be involved).

国民の血圧意識を高めるための啓発活動が行われています。

Awareness activities are being carried out to raise the nation's blood pressure awareness.

Keihatsu katsudō (awareness/enlightenment activities).

血圧のコントロールは、心血管疾患の発症リスクを劇的に低下させます。

Controlling blood pressure dramatically lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Gekiteki ni (dramatically).

血圧の生理学的メカニズムを解明することは、現代医学の至上命題の一つである。

Elucidating the physiological mechanisms of blood pressure is one of the ultimate missions of modern medicine.

Shijō meidai (ultimate mission/proposition).

血圧の動態は、自律神経系と内分泌系の精緻な相互作用によって調整されている。

Blood pressure dynamics are regulated by the exquisite interaction of the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system.

Seichi na sōgo sayō (exquisite interaction).

収縮期血圧と拡張期血圧の乖離が、動脈硬化の進行を示唆する場合がある。

A divergence between systolic and diastolic blood pressure may suggest the progression of arteriosclerosis.

Kairi (divergence/gap).

血圧管理における非薬物療法の有用性は、多角的な臨床研究によって裏付けられている。

The usefulness of non-drug therapy in blood pressure management is supported by multifaceted clinical research.

Urazukerarete iru (supported/backed up).

仮面高血圧の看過は、予後を悪化させる重大な要因となり得る。

Overlooking masked hypertension can be a significant factor in worsening the prognosis.

Kanko (overlooking) + Yogo (prognosis).

血圧変動性の増大が、標的臓器障害の独立したリスク因子であるという知見が得られた。

Knowledge was obtained that increased blood pressure variability is an independent risk factor for target organ damage.

Dokuritsu shita risuku inshi (independent risk factor).

血圧調節に関わる遺伝子多型の解析が、個別化医療の進展に寄与することが期待される。

Analysis of genetic polymorphisms involved in blood pressure regulation is expected to contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine.

Kobetsuka iryō (personalized medicine).

血圧という指標を通じて、生命の恒常性維持の神秘を垣間見ることができる。

Through the indicator of blood pressure, one can catch a glimpse of the mystery of maintaining life's homeostasis.

Kōjōsei iji (maintenance of homeostasis).

Common Collocations

血圧を測る

血圧が高い

血圧が低い

血圧が上がる

血圧を下げる

血圧が安定する

血圧を記録する

血圧にいい

血圧を気にする

血圧を抑える

Common Phrases

血圧が高め

— Slightly high blood pressure. Often used in marketing for health products.

血圧が高めの方におすすめの飲料です。

血圧の管理

— Management of blood pressure. Refers to keeping it within healthy limits.

冬は特に血圧の管理が大切です。

血圧の薬

— Blood pressure medication. Simple way to say antihypertensives.

血圧の薬を飲み忘れました。

血圧の変化

— Changes in blood pressure. Used to describe fluctuations.

急な血圧の変化に注意してください。

血圧をチェック

— Checking blood pressure. Common casual expression.

ここで血圧をチェックできますよ。

血圧の数値

— Blood pressure reading/value. Refers to the numbers on the monitor.

血圧の数値が改善しました。

血圧を測り直す

— To re-measure blood pressure. Used if the first reading seems wrong.

もう一度血圧を測り直しますね。

血圧を維持する

— To maintain blood pressure. Keeping it at a certain level.

正常な血圧を維持しましょう。

血圧が下がりすぎる

— Blood pressure drops too much. A concern with some medications.

血圧が下がりすぎて、ふらふらします。

血圧計のベルト

— The cuff of the blood pressure monitor.

血圧計のベルトを巻いてください。

Often Confused With

血圧 vs 脈拍 (Myakuhaku)

Pulse/Heart rate. Often measured at the same time but different metrics.

血圧 vs 血行 (Kekkō)

Blood circulation. Refers to flow, not pressure.

血圧 vs 血糖値 (Kettōchi)

Blood sugar level. Another common health metric starting with 'Ketsu'.

Idioms & Expressions

"血圧が上がる"

— Literally blood pressure rises, but can metaphorically mean getting angry or excited.

彼の失礼な態度に血圧が上がったよ。

Informal

"血圧を上げる"

— To cause one's own or someone else's blood pressure to rise, often through stress.

そんなに怒鳴ると、血圧を上げるだけだよ。

Informal

"血の気が引く"

— To turn pale (blood drains from face) due to shock or fear. Related to blood flow.

そのニュースを聞いて、血の気が引いた。

Common

"血が上る"

— To get worked up or angry (blood rushes to the head).

頭に血が上って、冷静さを失った。

Common

"血圧を気にする年"

— An age where one starts worrying about blood pressure (usually middle age).

私もそろそろ血圧を気にする年になりました。

Conversational

"血圧と戦う"

— To struggle against hypertension (lifestyle changes, meds).

長年、高血圧と戦っています。

Informal

"血圧が乱れる"

— For blood pressure to become unstable or irregular.

季節の変わり目は血圧が乱れやすい。

Neutral

"血圧を正常に保つ"

— To keep blood pressure normal. A standard health goal.

健康のために、血圧を正常に保つ努力をしています。

Neutral

"血圧をモニターする"

— To monitor blood pressure over time.

アプリで血圧をモニターしています。

Modern/Informal

"血圧に響く"

— To affect one's blood pressure (often used for negative impacts like noise or salt).

この騒音は血圧に響くよ。

Casual

Easily Confused

血圧 vs 血行

Both start with 'Ketsu' and relate to blood in vessels.

'Ketsuatsu' is the pressure; 'Kekkō' is the movement or flow of blood.

お風呂で血行が良くなるが、血圧には注意。

血圧 vs 脈拍

Both are vital signs measured from arteries.

'Ketsuatsu' is pressure (mmHg); 'Myakuhaku' is speed (beats per minute).

血圧と脈拍を同時に測る。

血圧 vs 血糖

Both are 'blood something' values in health checks.

'Ketsuatsu' is pressure; 'Kettō' is glucose concentration.

血圧も血糖値も高い。

血圧 vs 血管

Blood pressure happens inside blood vessels.

'Ketsuatsu' is the force; 'Kekkan' is the actual tube (vessel).

血管が硬くなると血圧が上がる。

血圧 vs 血液

Both relate to blood.

'Ketsuatsu' is a measurement; 'Ketsueki' is the liquid itself.

血液検査と血圧測定。

Sentence Patterns

血圧が[Adjective]です。

血圧が高いです。

血圧を[Verb]ます。

血圧を測ります。

血圧が[Verb-intransitive]てきました。

血圧が安定してきました。

血圧を[Verb-transitive]ために、[Action]。

血圧を下げるために、塩分を控えます。

血圧の[Noun]が[Verb]。

血圧の推移を観察します。

血圧という指標は、[Complex thought]。

血圧という指標は、個人の健康状態を雄弁に物語る。

Any

[Noun]は血圧にいいです。

納豆は血圧にいいです。

Any

血圧を[Verb-passive]。

血圧を測ってもらいました。

Word Family

Nouns

高血圧 (Hypertension)

低血圧 (Hypotension)

血圧計 (Blood pressure monitor)

最高血圧 (Systolic pressure)

最低血圧 (Diastolic pressure)

Verbs

血圧を測る (Measure blood pressure)

血圧が上がる (Blood pressure rises)

血圧を下げる (Lower blood pressure)

Adjectives

血圧が高い (High blood pressure)

血圧が低い (Low blood pressure)

血管 (Blood vessel)

血液 (Blood)

心臓 (Heart)

脈拍 (Pulse)

健康診断 (Health checkup)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in medical, health, and aging-related contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'motsu' (to have) for blood pressure. → Using 'ga takai/hikui' (is high/low).
Japanese describes the state of the pressure, not the possession of it.
Confusing 'hakaru' (measure) with 'kazaeru' (count). → Always use 'hakaru' (測る).
You measure physical properties; you count discrete objects.
Confusing 'agaru' (rise) with 'ageru' (raise). → Ketsuatsu ga agaru / Ketsuatsu wo ageru.
The particle indicates whether the pressure is rising on its own or being raised by something.
Mixing up 'ketsuatsu' and 'shinpakusū' (heart rate). → Check if you mean pressure or heart beats.
These are distinct medical metrics.
Pronouncing it 'ketsu-atsu' as a single syllable. → Distinctly pronounce 'ke-tsu-a-tsu'.
Japanese is mora-timed; every character needs its own space.

Tips

Use the right particle

Use 'ga' to describe the state (Ketsuatsu ga takai) and 'wo' for the action (Ketsuatsu wo hakaru).

Learn the compounds

Learning 'Kōketsuatsu' and 'Teiketsuatsu' together helps you remember the base word 'Ketsuatsu'.

Health Checkups

Be prepared to hear 'Ketsuatsu' if you work in a Japanese company during the annual Ningen Dock.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember: Blood (血) + Pressure (圧) = Blood Pressure.

Casual vs Formal

Use 'ue' and 'shita' with friends, but 'saikō' and 'saitei' in medical reports.

TV Health Tips

Watch Japanese morning shows (wide shows) to hear 'ketsuatsu' used in health segments.

Metaphorical Use

You can say 'ketsuatsu ga agaru' when angry, but don't overdo it; it's mostly literal.

Buying a monitor

Look for the characters '血圧計' in the electronics section.

Small Talk

Health talk is common in Japan. Mentioning blood pressure is a safe topic with older neighbors.

Salt awareness

If you have high BP, look for '減塩' (gen-en) labels, which mean 'reduced salt'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Kettle' (Ke) that is 'Soon' (tsu) going to 'At' (a) 'Tsu' (tsu) burst from the pressure. Ketsu-atsu!

Visual Association

Imagine a red blood cell (血) being squeezed (圧) inside a tube.

Word Web

Blood Pressure Heart Doctor Salt Health Measure Vessel

Challenge

Try to say 'My blood pressure is high' and 'I will measure my blood pressure' three times fast in Japanese: 'Ketsuatsu ga takai. Ketsuatsu wo hakarimasu.'

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). '血' (ketsu) is the Onyomi reading for blood, and '圧' (atsu) is the Onyomi reading for pressure. It was likely coined or popularized during the Meiji era when Western medical terms were translated into Japanese using kanji compounds.

Original meaning: The force of blood within the vessels.

Japonic (Sino-Japanese vocabulary).

Cultural Context

While common, avoid joking about someone's high blood pressure if they seem genuinely distressed by it, as it is a serious health risk.

In English-speaking countries, blood pressure is often seen as a private medical matter. In Japan, it is more commonly discussed in social and workplace settings.

Japanese government's 'Salt Reduction' campaigns. Omron: A famous Japanese brand known globally for blood pressure monitors. The 'Metabo' law (Specific Health Checkups).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Hospital/Clinic

血圧を測ります。
上が130です。
血圧の薬を出します。
最近、血圧はどうですか？

Health Checkup (Ningen Dock)

血圧が高めですね。
再検査が必要です。
塩分を控えてください。
血圧手帳をつけてください。

Pharmacy

血圧計はありますか？
血圧の薬の飲み方です。
副作用で血圧が下がることがあります。
家庭用血圧計の使い方。

Casual Conversation

血圧、大丈夫？
最近、血圧が高くてさ。
血圧にいいお茶だよ。
朝は血圧が低いんだ。

TV/Media Health Segment

血圧を下げる食べ物。
高血圧の予防法。
血圧と塩分の関係。
驚きの血圧改善術。

Conversation Starters

"最近、血圧を測っていますか？ (Have you been measuring your blood pressure recently?)"

"健康診断で血圧はどうでしたか？ (How was your blood pressure at the health checkup?)"

"血圧を下げるために何かしていますか？ (Are you doing anything to lower your blood pressure?)"

"この血圧計、使いやすいですよ。 (This blood pressure monitor is easy to use.)"

"血圧が高いと、いろいろ心配ですよね。 (When blood pressure is high, you worry about a lot of things, don't you?)"

Journal Prompts

今日の血圧の数値を記録しましょう。 (Record today's blood pressure numbers.)

血圧を健康に保つための目標を書いてください。 (Write your goals for keeping your blood pressure healthy.)

最近の体調と血圧の関係について考えてみましょう。 (Think about the relationship between your recent physical condition and blood pressure.)

血圧に良い食事メニューを計画してください。 (Plan a meal menu that is good for blood pressure.)

将来の健康のために、今できる血圧管理は何ですか？ (What blood pressure management can you do now for your future health?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use '血圧が高いです' (Ketsuatsu ga takai desu). Avoid saying 'I have' (motte iru).

It is '血圧計' (Ketsuatsukei). You can find them at any electronics store or pharmacy in Japan.

Not commonly as slang, but people say 'ketsuatsu ga agaru' metaphorically when they are very stressed or angry.

'Ue' (top) is systolic pressure, and 'shita' (bottom) is diastolic pressure. It's common casual terminology.

Say '血圧を測ってください' (Ketsuatsu wo hakatte kudasai).

Generally, under 130/85 mmHg is considered normal, though guidelines vary by age and health condition.

Yes, it is the same word used in veterinary medicine.

It means 'high blood pressure' or hypertension. It's a compound of 'kō' (high) + 'ketsuatsu'.

Due to high salt intake and an aging population, stroke and heart disease are major concerns, making blood pressure management a national priority.

Yes, many products are labeled 'FOSHU' (Tokuhu) and claim to help lower blood pressure, such as certain teas and sesame-based products.