Translation guide
How to express 'put pressure on' in Japanese, covering physical pressure, psychological pressure, and social pressure.
To pressure someone to do something, or to put them under mental or emotional strain.
A common and natural way to say 'put pressure on' someone psychologically. Often used in work, school, or sports contexts.
上司が彼にプレッシャーをかけた。
His boss put pressure on him.
Literally 'apply pressure'. Can be used for both physical and psychological pressure, but in psychological contexts it often sounds more formal or serious.
To apply physical force or weight onto something.
The standard phrase for applying physical pressure, such as in mechanics or medicine.
傷口に圧力をかけてください。
Please put pressure on the wound.
To apply aggressive pressure on an opponent in a game or match.
Used in sports to mean putting psychological or tactical pressure on the opponent.
相手チームにプレッシャーをかける。
Put pressure on the opposing team.
プレッシャーをかける is the most common and natural way to express psychological pressure in everyday conversation. 圧力をかける can also be used, but it often carries a more formal or forceful nuance, and is more common for physical pressure or official pressure (e.g., political).
友達にプレッシャーをかけられた。
My friend put pressure on me.
組合が会社に圧力をかけた。
The union put pressure on the company.
政府は企業に圧力をかけた。
The government put pressure on companies.
Means 'to corner' or 'to drive someone into a corner'. Implies putting so much pressure that the person has no way out.
質問で彼を追い詰めた。
I put pressure on him with questions (cornered him).
To pester or nag someone to do something, often used when children pressure parents.
子供がおもちゃを買ってとせがんだ。
The child put pressure on me to buy a toy (pestered me).
Simply 'to push'. Can be used when the pressure is a direct push.
ボタンを押してください。
Please put pressure on the button (push the button).
To attack relentlessly, putting continuous pressure on the opponent.
試合終盤で攻め立てた。
We put pressure on them in the final stages of the game.