压抑

壓抑

yāyì

verb HSK 7-9 #5,834

Meanings

1 to suppress
2 to repress
3 oppressive
4 stifling

Characters

to press; to suppress

to restrain; to repress

Both characters mean to hold down — to suppress emotions or feelings

Examples

他一直压抑着内心的悲伤。

Tā yīzhí yāyì zhe nèixīn de bēishāng.

He has been suppressing the sadness in his heart.

这个房间光线很暗，气氛很压抑。

Zhège fángjiān guāngxiàn hěn àn, qìfēn hěn yāyì.

This room is dimly lit and the atmosphere feels oppressive.

Tips

usage

压抑 can be a verb (to suppress/repress emotions) or an adjective (oppressive, stifling). As an adjective, it often describes atmospheres, moods, or environments.

Stroke Order

压 yā

抑 yì