逼

A phono-semantic compound:

辵 — movement, approaching, advancing (semantic element)

畐 — sound "bì/fù", with the idea of fullness or tight containment (phonetic element)

The original image is approaching so closely that there is no space left, hence pressure and coercion.

Semantic development

Physical proximity:

- to approach closely

- to press in from all sides

Social and political oppression:

- persecution

- coercion by authority or circumstance

This sense dominates classical and modern usage.

Psychological pressure:

- to harass

- to mentally corner or suffocate

Colloquial extension (Chinese):

In modern Mandarin, 逼 can function as an intensifier in slang (e.g. 牛逼), originally a euphemistic substitution for a vulgar character.

핍박 (逼迫) — oppression; persecution

궁핍 (窮逼) — destitution; extreme hardship

핍사 (逼死) — to drive someone to death

핍민 (逼民) — oppression of the people (classical)

핍절 (逼切) — urgent; pressing (literary)

逼 conveys a sense of no remaining space, whether physical, social, or mental. It often appears where choice, freedom, or dignity is removed.

In contrast to purely violent verbs, it highlights gradual, inescapable pressure.

Related characters:

迫 — to press; to force (often paired with 逼)

壓 / 圧 — to crush; to suppress

虐 — to abuse; to tyrannize

逼 vs 迫:

逼 emphasizes closeness and pressure

迫 emphasizes forcing and compulsion

Classical citations:

Han–Tang political prose

「政苛則民逼」

“When governance is harsh, the people are oppressed.”

Buddhist doctrinal usage

「眾生為業所逼，不得自在」

“Sentient beings, pressed by karma, cannot attain freedom.”

Here 逼 expresses inescapable karmic pressure, not physical force.

Classical prose / literature

「禍患相逼，無所逃避」

“Calamities press in upon one another, leaving no escape.”

Pre-Qin style narrative.