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道Nihongo Path
迫

迫·press, urge

On-yomi
ハク
Kun-yomi
せま(る)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

8 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
迫るせまるto draw near, press (someone) for
迫力はくりょくpower, impact, punch
圧迫あっぱくpressure, oppression
切迫せっぱくurgency, imminence

Example sentences

  1. 試験の日が迫っている。

    しけんのひがせまっている。

    The exam day is drawing near.

  2. この映画は音も映像も迫力がある。

    このえいがはおともえいぞうもはくりょくがある。

    This film has real punch in both sound and picture.

  3. 胸に圧迫感を覚えて病院へ行った。

    むねにあっぱくかんをおぼえてびょういんへいった。

    I felt a pressure in my chest and went to the hospital.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 迫力 as はくりき — it is はくりょく
  • Confusing 迫る (draw near) with 泊まる (stay the night)

Memory aid

Picture it

白 (white) on the road radical 辶 — a pale shape coming up the road towards you, closer and closer.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 迫 mean?