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.
陣痛が来たら、いきんでください。
When the contraction comes, please bear down.
トイレでいきみすぎると、痔になることがあります。
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.
重いものを持ち上げるときは、お腹に力を入れてください。
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.
出産のときは、足を踏ん張っていきみます。
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.
試験が近いので、勉強に力を入れなければならない。
With exams coming up, I have to bear down on my studies.
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 concentrate'. Often used when bearing down mentally on a task.
気を散らさずに、仕事に集中しなさい。
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.
敵軍が首都に迫っている。
The enemy army is bearing down on the capital.
締め切りが迫ってきた。
The deadline is bearing down on us.
Literally 'to surge or rush upon', used for large forces, crowds, or waves bearing down.
To crush, quell, or put down opposition, rebellion, or resistance.
The standard term for suppressing a riot, rebellion, or uprising. Implies forceful bearing down by authorities.
警察が暴動を鎮圧した。
The police bore down on the riot.
Means to hold down or pin down. Can be used figuratively for suppressing dissent or emotions.
政府は反対意見を押さえつけようとした。
The government tried to bear down on dissenting opinions.
Means to defeat or beat down. Used for overcoming an opponent or obstacle.
Means to get serious or put one's back into something. Implies a committed, sustained effort.
そろそろ就職活動に本腰を入れないと。
I need to bear down on my job hunting soon.
大波が海岸に押し寄せた。
A huge wave bore down on the shore.
Means to attack or pounce on. Stronger and more violent than '迫る'. Used for sudden, aggressive bearing down.
熊が突然襲いかかってきた。
The bear suddenly bore down on us.
彼は困難を打ち負かして成功した。
He bore down on the difficulties and succeeded.