Translation guide
The English phrase 'bear down' has several distinct meanings: to push hard physically (as in childbirth or defecation), to apply pressure or effort, to approach in a threatening way, and to suppress or overcome. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
To exert strong downward pressure with abdominal muscles, often during labor or bowel movements.
The most common verb for bearing down during childbirth or defecation. It specifically refers to straining with the abdominal muscles.
When the contraction comes, please bear down.
If you bear down too hard on the toilet, you can get hemorrhoids.
A general phrase meaning 'to put strength into', used for bearing down in a broader sense, including physical effort.
When lifting something heavy, bear down with your stomach muscles.
Means to brace oneself or plant one's feet firmly, often used for bearing down physically or mentally. Can imply stubborn effort.
During childbirth, you plant your feet and bear down.
To intensify effort, focus, or pressure in a non-physical context, such as studying or working.
Used figuratively to mean 'put effort into' or 'focus on'. Common in business and study contexts.
With exams coming up, I have to bear down on my studies.
Means 'to concentrate'. Often used when bearing down mentally on a task.
Stop getting distracted and bear down on your work.
To move towards someone or something in a way that feels intimidating, as if about to attack or overwhelm.
Means to approach menacingly or press in on. Can be used for physical threats, deadlines, or abstract pressures.
The enemy army is bearing down on the capital.
Literally 'to surge or rush upon', used for large forces, crowds, or waves bearing down.
Means to attack or pounce on. Stronger and more violent than '迫る'. Used for sudden, aggressive bearing down.
To crush, quell, or put down opposition, rebellion, or resistance.
会社は新製品の開発に力を入れている。
The company is bearing down on new product development.
Means to get serious or put one's back into something. Implies a committed, sustained effort.
I need to bear down on my job hunting soon.
The deadline is bearing down on us.
A huge wave bore down on the shore.
The bear suddenly bore down on us.
Means to hold down or pin down. Can be used figuratively for suppressing dissent or emotions.
The government tried to bear down on dissenting opinions.
彼は困難を打ち負かして成功した。
He bore down on the difficulties and succeeded.