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March 24, 2026
压抑(壓抑)yāyì(ya1yi4)
压抑 (yā yì) refers to the act of restraining or suppressing emotions, often leading to feelings of oppression or depression. It is commonly used in psychological contexts to describe emotional repression, as well as in everyday conversation to express feelings of being stifled or overwhelmed by circumstances.
Strokes13Frequency#5834DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, discussing mental health and emotional struggles historically has been less common, making the concept of 压抑 particularly poignant as it highlights the societal pressure to maintain composure and avoid expressing negative emotions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a heavy weight (压) pressing down on a person's chest, making it hard to breathe or express feelings (抑). The sound 'yā' can remind you of 'yarn' tangled up and unable to unwind, much like repressed emotions that are knotted inside.
Meanings of 压抑
yāyì(ya1yi4)
1to constrain or repress emotions
2oppressive
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 压抑
压抑Simplified
壓抑Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5834Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 压抑
Podcast: 压抑
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AI Study Notes for 压抑
Quick Contrast
压制 (yāzhì) - use 压抑 when focusing on emotional suppression rather than physical restraint.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 压抑 with related terms like 压力 (pressure) but should note that 压抑 specifically pertains to emotional suppression. It is generally used in a more formal or psychological context, so be mindful of the register when using it in conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 压抑 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and mental health. Students should focus on understanding its nuances and how it contrasts with similar terms like 表达 (to express) to deepen their emotional vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes misuse 压抑 in a non-emotional context, such as saying '这本书让我感到压抑' when they mean 'this book is heavy.' The correct context should be emotional or psychological, such as '我感到压抑' (I feel repressed).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 压抑
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How to say to constrain or repress emotions in Chinese
“to constrain or repress emotions” in Chinese is压抑yāyì
压抑 (yā yì) refers to the act of restraining or suppressing emotions, often leading to feelings of oppression or depression. It is commonly used in psychological contexts to describe emotional repression, as well as in everyday conversation to express feelings of being stifled or overwhelmed by circumstances.
When to use 压抑
Learners often confuse 压抑 with related terms like 压力 (pressure) but should note that 压抑 specifically pertains to emotional suppression. It is generally used in a more formal or psychological context, so be mindful of the register when using it in conversation.
压抑 or something close to it
压制 (yāzhì) - use 压抑 when focusing on emotional suppression rather than physical restraint.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse 压抑 in a non-emotional context, such as saying '这本书让我感到压抑' when they mean 'this book is heavy.' The correct context should be emotional or psychological, such as '我感到压抑' (I feel repressed).
Write 压抑
压
抑
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Grammar Patterns of 压抑
压抑 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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
Complete the Sentence
当我们感到愤怒时，____这种情绪反而会觉得内疚。
When we feel anger, we bury the emotion and feel guilty instead.
