压抑

yā yì

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Verb Uncommon

Save to list

Definitions

1. to constrain or repress emotions
2. oppressive
3. stifling
4. depressing
5. repression

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 宣泄 xuān xiè 宣泄 xuān xiè to drain (by leading off water) To vent or release emotions, opposite of holding back: to drain (by leading off water)

Related words

2 items

• 郁闷 yù mèn 郁闷 yù mèn gloomy Describes a feeling of gloom or depression that may result from压抑: gloomy
• 镇压 zhèn yā 镇压 zhèn yā suppression Means to suppress or put down, but often used for political dissent rather than personal emotions: suppression

Synonyms

1 item

• 克制 kè zhì 克制 kè zhì to restrain When meaning to restrain one's own emotions or impulses: to restrain

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly used with 感 to form 压抑感 (feeling of oppression).

Common mistakes

压抑 describes suppressing one's own emotions, not suppressing other people. For suppressing others' speech or actions, use 压制 or 镇压.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他 压抑 着心里的怒火。

He suppressed the anger in his heart.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 压抑

• 压 压 yā: to press
• 抑 抑 yì: to restrain