Translation guide
The English phrase 'be pressed' can refer to physical pressure, time pressure, or being in a difficult situation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
I was pressed by the crowd.
To be compressed or pressured, often used for physical pressure on the body or in medical contexts.
I feel like my chest is being pressed.
To be caught or pressed between two things.
My finger got pressed in the door.
To be pressed for time or under deadline pressure.
To be in a tight spot, especially financially.
To be pressed against a surface or person.
Directly translating 'be pressed' as '押される' (osareru) only works for physical pressure. For time or financial pressure, use idiomatic expressions like '時間に追われる' or '金に困る'.
To be at one's wit's end, pressed by a deadline or urgent situation. Stronger nuance.
I'm pressed by the deadline.