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.
To be physically pressed or squeezed by something.
General verb for being pushed or pressed. Often used in passive form.
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'.
I was pressed for time, so I skipped lunch.
To be at one's wit's end, pressed by a deadline or urgent situation. Stronger nuance.
I'm pressed by the deadline.