Translation guide
The English word 'pressing' can be an adjective meaning urgent or important, or a verb form related to applying pressure. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
Describing a matter, need, or problem that is urgent and cannot wait.
The most direct and common translation for 'pressing' in the sense of urgent. Used for matters, situations, or needs.
I have a pressing matter to attend to.
This is a pressing issue.
Literally 'imminent' or 'impending', used for urgent situations that are close at hand. Often modifies nouns like 問題 (problem) or 必要 (need).
There is no pressing danger.
A set phrase meaning 'requires urgency'. Used in formal or written contexts.
This problem is pressing.
The act of pressing something, such as a button, clothes, or a surface.
General verb for 'to press' or 'to push'. Used for buttons, switches, and applying force.
Please press the button.
He pressed my hand.
To press something against something else, often with force. Can also mean 'to impose'.
Specifically for pressing clothes with an iron.
I need to press my shirt.
To press someone for an answer, payment, or action.
To press someone for something, to demand urgently. Often used with に for the person and を for the thing demanded.
He pressed me for an answer.
To press for payment, a reply, or fulfillment of an obligation. More formal than 迫る.
I was pressed for payment.
To press someone closely, often physically approaching them while demanding something. Implies a confrontational tone.
緊急 is the standard word for 'emergency' or 'urgent' and is used in many compounds (緊急事態, 緊急連絡). 差し迫った emphasizes imminence and is often used with danger or deadlines.
An urgent meeting was held.
I'm under a pressing deadline.
The verb 押す means physical pressing. Using it for an urgent matter would be unnatural. Use 緊急 or 差し迫った instead.
Time is pressing.
I have a pressing engagement.
Often 'pressing engagement' is simply expressed as 急な用事 (urgent business).
I pressed the stamp onto the paper.
記者が大臣に詰め寄った。
The reporters pressed the minister for answers.