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压制 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
压制yāzhìto suppressHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, Very Hard
压制yāzhìto inhibitHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, Very Hard
压制yāzhìto stifleHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, Very Hard
yāzhì(ya1zhi4)ya zhi T1
  1. 1to suppress
  2. 2to inhibit
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March 24, 2026

压制(壓制)yāzhì(ya1zhi4)

压制 (yā zhì) means to suppress or inhibit something, often referring to emotions, thoughts, or actions. It is commonly used in contexts such as politics, psychology, and social dynamics, where one entity or force restrains another. The nuance suggests a forceful or oppressive quality, often leading to negative consequences.

Strokes14DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese history, the term 压制 is often associated with government actions to control public opinion or dissent, especially during politically sensitive periods. Understanding this context can provide deeper insights into contemporary discussions about freedom of speech in China.

Memory Tip

Think of 压 (yā) as a heavy weight pressing down on something, and 制 (zhì) as setting boundaries or limits. Imagine a spring that's being compressed under a weight—this visual helps you remember that 压制 involves the idea of suppression or inhibition.

Meanings of 压制

yāzhì(ya1zhi4)
1to suppress
2to inhibit
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 压制

压制Simplified
壓制Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 压制

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Podcast: 压制

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AI Study Notes for 压制

Quick Contrast

抑制 (yì zhì) refers to inhibiting or restraining something but typically has a less forceful connotation than 压制, which implies a stronger, more oppressive action.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of the context in which you use 压制; it often carries negative connotations. It's more commonly used in formal discussions, particularly regarding government or authority's role in suppressing dissent. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like 控制 (kòng zhì), which means 'to control' more broadly.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 压制 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to power dynamics and emotional states. Focus on how it pairs with verbs and nouns in discussions about social issues, like 反抗 (fǎn kàng, to resist) and 自由 (zì yóu, freedom).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 压制 with 控制 (kòng zhì), leading to phrases like '政府控制民主' (zhèng fǔ kòng zhì mín zhǔ), which should instead use 压制 to convey suppression of democracy more accurately.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 压制

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Component Characters

压yāto press
HSK 46 strokes厂
View full entry
制zhìsystem
HSK 68 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say to suppress in Chinese

“to suppress” in Chinese is压制yāzhì

压制 (yā zhì) means to suppress or inhibit something, often referring to emotions, thoughts, or actions. It is commonly used in contexts such as politics, psychology, and social dynamics, where one entity or force restrains another. The nuance suggests a forceful or oppressive quality, often leading to negative consequences.

When to use 压制

Be cautious of the context in which you use 压制; it often carries negative connotations. It's more commonly used in formal discussions, particularly regarding government or authority's role in suppressing dissent. Avoid confusing it with similar terms like 控制 (kòng zhì), which means 'to control' more broadly.

压制 or something close to it

抑制 (yì zhì) refers to inhibiting or restraining something but typically has a less forceful connotation than 压制, which implies a stronger, more oppressive action.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 压制 with 控制 (kòng zhì), leading to phrases like '政府控制民主' (zhèng fǔ kòng zhì mín zhǔ), which should instead use 压制 to convey suppression of democracy more accurately.

Write 压制

压
制

Practice writing 压制 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 压制

压制 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

在被占领期间法国思想界受到了____。

Intellectual life in France was smothered by the occupation.

Example Sentences for 压制 (5)

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1
在被占领期间法国思想界受到了压制。

zài bèi zhān lǐng qī jiān fǎ guó sī xiǎng jiè shòu dào le yā zhì。

Intellectual life in France was smothered by the occupation.
2
快速进带的冲动几乎压制不住。

kuài sù jìn dài de chōng dòng jī hū yā zhì bù zhù。

The urge to fast-forward is almost irresistible.
3
你那被雄心壮志压制已久的母性本能终于开始展现出来。

nǐ nà bèi xióng xīn zhuàng zhì yā zhì yǐ jiǔ de mǔ xìng běn néng zhōng yú kāi shǐ zhǎn xiàn chū lái。

After having been subjugated to ambition, your maternal instincts are at last starting to assert themselves.
4
压制这群暴徒的惟一方法是使用催泪瓦斯.

yā zhì zhè qún bào tú de wéi yī fāng fǎ shì shǐ yòng cuī lèi wǎ sī.

The only way to curb this unruly mob is to use tear gas.
5
索米斯在屋内兜了一圈, 压制一下心头升起的怒火.

suǒ mǐ sī zài wū nèi dōu le yī quān, , yā zhì yī xià xīn tóu shēng qǐ de nù.

Soames made a tour of the room, to subdue his rising anger.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 压制

Yes, 压制 typically has a negative connotation, implying oppression or unwanted control over something.

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