压 (yā) — to press, to push down; to suppress, to keep under control
Definition
压 (yā) is the plain verb for physically pressing something down or suppressing/reining something in. Compare 压制, which focuses on stifling feelings or opinions, and 施压, which means exerting pressure on a person.
verb
to pressto push downto suppressto keep under control
Examples
- 压。Qǐng yā zhù zhè zhāng zhǐ.Please press down on this piece of paper.
- ，。Tā yā dī le shēng yīn, bù xiǎng ràng bié rén tīng jiàn.He lowered his voice, not wanting others to hear.
- 压，。Bié yā wǒ, ràng wǒ zì jǐ jué dìng.Don't pressure me, let me decide myself.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 壓; 压 is its simplified writing.
Sound part声符shēngfú
厭
厭yàn壓yā
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.
The traditional form 壓 is built from 土, dust, and 厭, which gives the sound; 压 is the simplified form of 壓.
Appears in
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.