The Kanji: 圧 (Atsu)
The kanji 圧 means "pressure," "compression," or "oppression." It evolved from 壓, combining 厂 (cliff) with 土 (soil), depicting the force of earth pressing down. This character represents both physical and psychological force.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 圧力 (atsuryoku) - Pressure
政治的に圧力をかける。
"Apply political pressure."
2. 圧倒 (attō) - Overwhelm
敵を圧倒する兵力。
"Overwhelming military force against the enemy."
3. 圧縮 (asshuku) - Compression
データを圧縮する。
"Compress data."
4. 血圧 (ketsuatsu) - Blood pressure
血圧を測る。
"Measure blood pressure."
In summary, 圧 describes various pressing forces - from physical compression (圧縮) and medical readings (血圧) to psychological dominance (圧倒) and social influence (圧力).