血圧

けつあつ

blood pressure

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Understanding 血圧 (Blood Pressure)

血圧 refers specifically to the pressure of blood within the arteries. It is a common medical term used in health contexts, especially when discussing cardiovascular health.

Common Usage

You will often hear 血圧 in conversations about health checkups, diet, and medical advice. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers (systolic/diastolic).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 血圧を測る (けつあつをはかる): to measure blood pressure; used when talking about checking or monitoring.
  • 血圧が高い/低い (けつあつがたかい/ひくい): blood pressure is high/low; common phrases in health discussions.
  • 血圧の変化 (けつあつのへんか): changes in blood pressure; often used in medical monitoring.

Register and Usage Notes

血圧 is a neutral, formal medical term suitable for both spoken and written contexts. It is not casual slang but is widely understood by all age groups.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 血圧 with 脈拍 (みゃくはく, pulse). Remember, 血圧 is about pressure in arteries, while 脈拍 refers to the heartbeat rate. Use 血圧 when discussing pressure-related health issues.

Example Sentences

まいあさ、けつあつをはかることがけんこうかんりにたいせつです。

Measuring your blood pressure every morning is important for health management.

けつあつがたかいときは、えんぶんをひかえたしょくじをこころがけましょう。

When your blood pressure is high, try to eat a low-salt diet.

いしゃはけつあつのへんかをちゅういぶかくかんさつしています。

The doctor is carefully monitoring changes in blood pressure.