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压缩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
压缩yāsuōto compressHSK 6, v, rank #15837, Hard
压缩yāsuōcompressionHSK 6, v, rank #15837, Hard
yāsuō(ya1suo1) T1
  1. 1to compress
  2. 2compression
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March 24, 2026
压缩(壓縮)yāsuō(ya1suo1)

The term 压缩 (yā suō) means to compress or to condense, often referring to reducing the size of data or materials. It is commonly used in technology, such as file compression, as well as in physical contexts, like compressing a sponge. The concept implies making something smaller while maintaining its essential qualities.

Frequency#15837DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In the context of Chinese technology, 压缩 is often associated with advancements in data storage and transmission, reflecting the rapid digital development in modern China. This term plays a crucial role in conversations about internet speed and data management practices.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sponge being squeezed tightly to make it smaller; the act of pressing down symbolizes 压 (yā), meaning 'to press' or 'to pressure', while 缩 (suō) sounds like 'squish', which reflects the idea of shrinking. Visualize this sponge in your mind to connect the meaning with the pronunciation.

Meanings of 压缩

yāsuō(ya1suo1)
1to compress
2compression
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 压缩

压缩Simplified
壓縮Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#15837Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 压缩

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Podcast: 压缩

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AI Study Notes for 压缩

Quick Contrast

压缩 (yāsuō) vs 减少 (jiǎnshǎo) — use 压缩 when referring to compressing size or volume, while 减少 is for reducing quantity or number.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a sponge being squeezed tightly to make it smaller; the act of pressing down symbolizes 压 (yā), meaning 'to press' or 'to pressure', while 缩 (suō) sounds like 'squish', which reflects the idea of shrinking. Visualize this sponge in your mind to connect the meaning with the pronunciation.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone of 压缩, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in IT discussions. Common collocations include 压缩文件 (compressed file) and 压缩算法 (compression algorithm).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 level word, 压缩 connects to other technical vocabulary related to data management and efficiency. Students should focus on understanding its usage in context, particularly in discussions about technology and optimization.

Cultural Note

In the context of Chinese technology, 压缩 is often associated with advancements in data storage and transmission, reflecting the rapid digital development in modern China. This term plays a crucial role in conversations about internet speed and data management practices.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 压缩 with 缩小 (suō xiǎo), which also means 'to reduce' but in a more general sense. For example, saying '我需要压小这个文件' is incorrect; instead, say '我需要压缩这个文件' to convey the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 压缩

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Component Characters

to press
HSK 46 strokes
View full entry
suōto withdraw
HSK 714 strokes
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Write 压缩

Practice writing 压缩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 压缩

压缩 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

那三本书的内容全都____进一本书了。

All those three books are compacted and compressed into one book.

Example Sentences for 压缩 (6)

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1
那三本书的内容全都压缩进一本书了。

nà sān běn shū de nèi róng quán dū yā suō jìn yī běn shū le。

All those three books are compacted and compressed into one book.
2
压缩空气的喷吐使飞机的左右和前后都能保持稳定。

yā suō kōng qì de pēn tǔ shǐ fēi jī de zuǒ yòu hé qián hòu dū néng bǎo chí wěn dìng。

Jets of compressed air gave the aircraft lateral and directional stability.
3
可以把大量的数据压缩到一张CD-ROM上。

kě yǐ bǎ dà liáng de shù jù yā suō dào yī zhāngCD-ROM CD-ROM。

You can compress huge amounts of data on to a CD-ROM.
4
他们谈话的要旨被压缩成一段话.

tā mén tán huà de yào zhǐ bèi yā suō chéng yī duàn huà.

The substance of their talk is condensed into a paragraph.
5
他把他的报告压缩到三页的长度.

tā bǎ tā de bào gào yā suō dào sān yè de cháng dù.

He compressed his report into three pages.
6
我已设法把清单上的项目压缩到了23项。

wǒ yǐ shè fǎ bǎ qīng dān shàng de xiàng mù yā suō dào le23 23。

I've managed to narrow the list down to twenty-three.

Cultural Notes for 压缩

🏮Cultural insight

In the context of Chinese technology, 压缩 is often associated with advancements in data storage and transmission, reflecting the rapid digital development in modern China. This term plays a crucial role in conversations about internet speed and data management practices.

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, compression often relates to digital files, while in Chinese contexts, it also encompasses physical materials and their management, showcasing a more holistic view of efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions about 压缩

压缩 is frequently used in the context of computer files, packaging, and even physics to describe the reduction of volume.