press

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is はく, and the kun reading is せまる. It has 8 strokes and relates to approaching, pressing, or making a strong impact.
• Basic usage: 迫る is read せまる, and 迫力 is read はくりょく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 迫る / 迫力
  • 迫る means approach or press and is read せまる. It describes a deadline approaching or someone pressing another person for an explanation.
  • 締め切りが明日に迫っている。 means “Tomorrow's deadline is fast approaching.”
  • 迫力 means power or impact and is read はくりょく. It refers to the strong power or impact felt in a performance or image.
  • 大太鼓の演奏は体に響くほどの迫力だった。 means “The large drum performance had enough power to reverberate through the body.”