Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| áp lực | [ʔaːp̚˧˦ lɨk̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔaːp̚˦˧˥ lɨk̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
|
| xì-trét | [si˨˩ t͡ɕɛt̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɪj˦˩ ʈɛt̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
colloquial |
The noun áp lực is used to refer to pressure. You can also use the related verb gây căng thẳng to describe the act of causing mental or emotional stress, or gây áp lực to describe applying force that causes strain.
What does it mean word for word?
The term áp lực literally translates to pressure.
Which one should you use?
Áp lực is the standard, formal term for both physical and psychological pressure. In contrast, xì-trét is a loanword from English used specifically to refer to psychological stress in informal settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Xì-trét is a colloquial form used in casual, spoken Vietnamese, often among younger generations.
Related words
When do people say it?
In informal contexts, people might also use the phrase bực mình to convey feelings of being annoyed, irritated, frustrated or stressed.
Did you know?
- The syllable áp in the formal term áp lực is closely related to the native Vietnamese verb ép, which means to squeeze or press.
- The generation gap is visible in how people talk about mental health, with older people avoiding the slangy xì-trét in favor of formal Sino-Vietnamese terms.
Examples in context
- áp lực công việcWork-related stressThis example shows how to use áp lực to describe work-related stress.
- Tôi đang cảm thấy rất áp lực.I am feeling very stressed.
- Tôi đang cảm thấy áp lực quá.I am feeling so much pressure.
- Đừng để áp lực ảnh hưởng đến bạn.Don't let the pressure affect you.
Example conversation
A woman talks to her male friend about his heavy workload.
- ChiAnh có thấy áp lực không?Are you feeling pressured?
- HùngCó, tôi đang rất căng thẳng.Yes, I am very stressed.
- ChiHãy nghỉ ngơi một chút nhé.Please take a little rest.
- HùngCảm ơn Chi, tôi sẽ thử.Thanks Chi, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stress” translations and entries áp lực, xì-trét, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lực, xì-trét, áp, áp lực, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
