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A2 verb #2,000 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

押す

osu Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 押す en 30 secondes

Explication 押す in your Level:

At the A1 level, '押す' (osu) is primarily learned as a simple action verb meaning 'to push' or 'to press'. Learners focus on physical objects in their immediate environment. The most common use case is pressing buttons—on elevators, vending machines, or doorbells. At this stage, you should learn the polite form '押します' (oshimasu) and the request form '押してください' (oshite kudasai). You will see the kanji '押' on many buttons in Japan. It is important to distinguish it from '引く' (hiku), which means 'to pull'. A1 learners should be able to follow simple instructions like 'Press the red button' or 'Push the door'. The grammar is straightforward: [Object] を押します. The focus is on survival Japanese and basic interactions with machines and physical barriers.

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At the A2 level, learners expand their use of '押す' to include more varied physical contexts and basic social interactions. You will learn to use it for 'stamping' a seal (hanko), which is essential for opening a bank account or signing a contract in Japan (ハンコを押す). You also begin to see compound verbs like '押し入れ' (closet - literally a place where things are pushed in). A2 learners should understand the potential form '押せる' (can push) and the negative '押さない' (don't push). You might also encounter the metaphorical 'pushing someone's back' (背中を押す) to mean encouraging them. The context of 'osu' starts to move from just buttons to more complex physical tasks and basic cultural practices like the hanko.

At the B1 level, '押す' begins to appear in more abstract and idiomatic contexts. One of the most important B1 uses is describing a schedule that is running late: '時間が押している' (jikan ga oshite iru). This 'pushing' of time is a common workplace expression. You will also learn more compound verbs like '押し出す' (to push out) and '押し込む' (to shove in). B1 learners should be comfortable with the passive form '押される' (to be pushed), used both physically (in a crowded train) and metaphorically (to be pressured by someone). You will also start to distinguish between '押す' (to push) and '推す' (to recommend/support), as they are homophones. The focus shifts toward more natural, conversational, and workplace-appropriate usage.

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At the B2 level, '押す' is used in nuanced ways to describe social pressure and complex physical actions. You will encounter it in formal writing and news reports, such as 'pressure from the opposition' or 'pushing through a new law' (押し通す). The verb is used to describe the overwhelming nature of someone's personality or passion (熱意に押される). B2 learners should be able to use 'osu' in a variety of registers, from casual slang (like 'oshi' for a favorite idol) to formal administrative language. You will also learn about 'oshidashi' in Sumo and other cultural specifics where 'pushing' is a technical term. The emphasis is on the breadth of the verb's application in society, politics, and culture.

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At the C1 level, '押す' is understood in its most literary and specialized forms. This includes its use in classical literature or highly technical manuals. You will explore the etymological roots of the kanji and how it relates to other 'hand' radical verbs. C1 learners can use 'osu' to describe subtle psychological states, such as 'pushing' a thought to the back of one's mind or the 'push and pull' (oshitsure-hikitsure) of a complex negotiation. You will also master rare compound verbs and four-character idiomatic compounds (yojijukugo) that might include the concept of pressure or pushing. The focus is on precision, nuance, and the ability to use the verb to express sophisticated abstract concepts.

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At the C2 level, '押す' is mastered to the point of native-like intuition. You can appreciate the wordplay in poetry or advanced rhetoric that utilizes the various meanings of 'osu' (pushing, stamping, supporting, pressing). You understand the historical evolution of the 'hanko' culture and the linguistic shifts that led to modern slang like 'oshi'. A C2 learner can navigate the most complex legal documents where '押印' (ouin - the act of stamping a seal) is discussed, and can use the verb in high-level business negotiations to describe market pressures or strategic 'pushes'. The verb is no longer just a word, but a versatile tool for expressing force, pressure, and support across all domains of human experience.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

押す en 30 secondes

押す (osu) means to push or press physically.
It is used for buttons, doors, and stamping seals (hanko).
Metaphorically, it means to urge, support, or run late.
It is a transitive verb using the particle 'wo'.

The Japanese verb 押す (osu) is a fundamental Godan verb primarily meaning 'to push' or 'to press'. At its core, it describes the application of physical force away from oneself or onto a surface. This encompasses everything from pushing a heavy box across a floor to the delicate action of pressing a button on a smartphone or a doorbell. However, in Japanese culture and linguistics, the scope of 'osu' extends far beyond simple physical exertion. It is the standard verb used for 'stamping' a seal (hanko), which is a critical part of Japanese administrative and daily life. Furthermore, it carries metaphorical weights, such as 'pushing' for a result, being 'pressed' for time, or 'supporting' a candidate (though the latter often uses a different kanji, 推す, the phonetic connection remains strong in the learner's mind).

Physical Action: Applying pressure to move an object or activate a mechanism. Examples include doors, buttons, and levers.
Administrative Use: The act of applying a personal or corporate seal (hanko) to a document, which serves as a signature in Japan.
Temporal Pressure: When a schedule is running late, Japanese speakers say the time is 'pushing' (時間が押している).

エレベーターのボタンを押してください。
(Please press the elevator button.)

背中を押す。
(To push someone's back - often used metaphorically to mean 'giving someone a nudge' or encouragement.)

Understanding 'osu' requires recognizing its versatility. While an A1 learner sees it as 'pressing a button', a B2 learner must understand it in the context of 'stamping documents' or 'schedule delays'. The kanji 押 consists of the 'hand' radical (扌) on the left and 'armor/shell' (甲) on the right, suggesting a hand applying pressure to a surface. This visual mnemonic reinforces the idea of direct, physical contact and force. In modern slang, 'oshi' (the noun form) refers to one's favorite idol or character—the one you 'push' or support, though this is technically derived from the related verb 推す (osu - to recommend/support).

Using 押す correctly involves mastering its transitive nature. It almost always takes the particle を (wo) to indicate the object being pushed or pressed. As a Godan verb, its conjugation follows the standard 'u' to 'i' pattern for the polite form (押します) and the 'u' to 'e' pattern for the potential form (押せる). One of the most critical nuances for learners is the distinction between pushing to move something and pressing to activate something.

Direct Object + を: [Object] を押す. Example: ドアを押しなさい (Push the door).
Compound Verbs: 押す is frequently combined with other verbs: 押し出す (to push out), 押し込む (to push in/shove), 押し通す (to force through).

ここにハンコを押していただけますか？
(Could you please place your seal here?)

In professional settings, 'osu' takes on a temporal meaning. If a meeting is 'oshite-iru' (押している), it means it's running over time and 'pushing' into the next scheduled slot. This is a very common expression in the Japanese workplace. Additionally, the potential form 'oseru' (can push) is used when discussing whether a button is functional or if a physical object is light enough to be moved. For advanced learners, the passive form 'osareru' (to be pushed) is often used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed by someone's passion or being pressured by circumstances.

You will encounter 押す in almost every corner of Japanese life. In urban environments, it is the primary verb for navigating technology and infrastructure. From the moment you enter a train station and 'press' a button on the ticket machine, to the moment you 'push' the button on the bus to signal your stop, the word is omnipresent. It is also a staple of the Japanese office, where the 'hanko' culture remains prevalent despite digitalization efforts.

Public Transport: 'Tsugi tomarimasu' buttons on buses are meant to be 'osareru' (pressed) by passengers.
Shopping & Vending: Vending machines (jidouhanbaiki) require you to 'osu' the button of your choice.

ボタンを押すと、お釣りが出ます。
(When you press the button, the change will come out.)

In the workplace, the phrase 'jikan ga oshite-iru' (time is pushing/running late) is a frequent warning during meetings or events. In a more traditional context, during festivals (matsuri), you might hear people shouting while 'pushing' a heavy portable shrine (mikoshi). The verb is also central to martial arts like Sumo, where 'oshidashi' (pushing out of the ring) is a common winning technique. Whether in the high-tech world of Tokyo's vending machines or the traditional world of Sumo, 'osu' is a verb that defines action and progress.

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 押す (osu) with its opposite, 引く (hiku - to pull). While this seems simple, the visual similarity of the kanji (both have the hand radical) can lead to confusion when reading signs on doors. Another mistake is using 'osu' when 'tsuku' (to poke/stab) or 'naderu' (to stroke) would be more appropriate for the type of touch involved.

Osu vs. Hiku: Mistaking 'Push' for 'Pull' on doors. Remember: Osu is 'Outward' (usually).
Osu vs. Tsuku: 'Tsuku' is used for a sharp poke, while 'osu' is a broader application of pressure.

× ドアを引いてください (when the sign says 押す).
(Pulling when you should push.)

Another nuanced mistake involves the use of 'osu' for 'pressing' clothes. While 'osu' means to press, for ironing clothes, the specific verb アイロンをかける (airon wo kakeru) is used. Using 'osu' in that context would sound like you are physically pushing the clothes rather than smoothing them. Similarly, when 'pressing' a point in an argument, 'osu' might be too physical; verbs like 'shuchou suru' (to insist) are often better suited for abstract contexts unless you are specifically 'pushing' someone to make a decision (senaka wo osu).

Several words share semantic space with 押す, and distinguishing them is key to reaching intermediate and advanced levels. These include verbs for different types of pressure, different directions of force, and metaphorical 'pushing'.

突く (Tsuku): To poke, stab, or prod. It implies a more pointed or sudden force than 'osu'.
圧迫する (Appaku suru): To oppress or apply heavy pressure. Used in medical or political contexts.
勧める (Susumeru): To recommend or urge. This is the 'push' used in social persuasion.

彼は強引に自分の意見を押し通した。
(He forced his opinion through.)

When comparing 'osu' to 'himeru' (to suppress), we see the difference between external force and internal control. 'Osu' is active and outward. In the context of favorited items or people, 'osu' (via 'oshi') is often compared with 'moe', but 'oshi' implies a more active support—you are 'pushing' them toward success. Understanding these synonyms and near-synonyms allows a learner to describe physical and social interactions with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Transitive verbs with を

Conditional 'to' for automatic results

Te-form + kudasai for requests

Potential form for ability

Passive voice for being pressured

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Exemples par niveau

ボタンを押してください。

Please press the button.

Te-form + kudasai for requests.

ドアを押します。

I push the door.

Simple present/future polite form.

これを押すと、水が出ます。

If you press this, water comes out.

Conditional 'to' indicating an automatic result.

ベルを押しましたか？

Did you ring the bell?

Past tense question.

強く押さないでください。

Please don't push hard.

Negative request form.

スイッチを押して。

Press the switch (casual).

Casual te-form request.

右のボタンを押してください。

Please press the right button.

Directional adjective + noun.

誰が押しましたか？

Who pressed it?

Subject marker 'ga' with a question.

ここにハンコを押してください。

Please put your seal here.

Common administrative phrase.

重い箱を二人で押しました。

Two of us pushed the heavy box.

Using 'de' to indicate the number of people.

背中を押してくれてありがとう。

Thanks for giving me a nudge (encouraging me).

Metaphorical use of 'pushing the back'.

このドアは押しても開きません。

This door won't open even if you push it.

Concessive 'te mo' (even if).

エレベーターを押し間違えました。

I pressed the wrong elevator button.

Compound verb: V-stem + machigaeru.

もう一度押してみてください。

Please try pressing it again.

Te-form + miru (to try doing).

自動販売機のボタンを押す。

Press the button on the vending machine.

Dictionary form used as a simple statement.

指紋を押す。

To take fingerprints (press fingerprints).

Specific use for fingerprints.

会議の時間が少し押しています。

The meeting is running a bit late.

Temporal use of 'osu'.

満員電車で人に押されました。

I was pushed by people on a crowded train.

Passive voice 'osareru'.

彼は無理に自分の意見を押し通した。

He forced his opinion through.

Compound verb 'oshitoosu'.

予定が押しているので、急ぎましょう。

The schedule is tight, so let's hurry.

Causal 'node' with temporal 'osu'.

背中を押されるような思いでした。

I felt like I was being given a nudge.

Simile using 'youna'.

このボタンは軽く押すだけでいいです。

You only need to press this button lightly.

Adverbial use of 'karuku'.

荷物を奥に押し込んだ。

I shoved the luggage into the back.

Compound verb 'oshikomu'.

周囲の期待に押されて、引き受けた。

Pushed by the expectations of those around me, I accepted.

Metaphorical passive use.

その力士は相手を土俵の外へ押し出した。

The sumo wrestler pushed his opponent out of the ring.

Specific sports terminology 'oshidashi'.

彼は熱意に押されて、ついに承諾した。

Overwhelmed by his enthusiasm, he finally agreed.

Passive voice for psychological pressure.

判子を押す文化は徐々に変わりつつある。

The culture of using seals is gradually changing.

Grammar 'v-stem + tsutsu aru' (in the process of).

強引に契約を押し付けるのは良くない。

It's not good to force a contract on someone.

Compound verb 'oshitsukeru' (to force upon).

イベントの進行が押してしまい、申し訳ありません。

I'm sorry that the event schedule has run over.

Te-shimau indicating regret.

群衆に押されて、転びそうになった。

Pushed by the crowd, I almost fell.

V-stem + sou ni naru (almost did).

彼は自分の非を認めず、最後まで押し切った。

He didn't admit his fault and pushed through to the end.

Compound verb 'oshikiru'.

この製品は市場の需要に押されて開発された。

This product was developed due to market demand pressure.

Passive voice in a business context.

反対派の圧力に押され、計画は白紙に戻った。

Under pressure from the opposition, the plan was scrapped.

Formal passive construction.

彼の言葉には、人を動かすような力強い押しがある。

His words have a powerful 'push' that moves people.

Noun form 'oshi' meaning impact/pressure.

伝統と革新の押し問答が続いている。

The dispute (push-and-answer) between tradition and innovation continues.

Compound noun 'oshimondou'.

自らの信念を押し通すことの難しさを痛感した。

I felt deeply the difficulty of sticking to one's beliefs.

Nominalized verb phrase.

その作家の文体には、読者を圧倒する押しがある。

That author's style has a 'push' that overwhelms the reader.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

押しも押されもせぬ大スターとなった。

He became an undisputed (unpushable) big star.

Idiomatic expression 'oshi mo osare mo senu'.

情勢に押されて、苦渋の決断を下した。

Pushed by the situation, I made a painful decision.

High-level vocabulary 'kuju no ketsudan'.

このボタンの押し心地が、製品の質を左右する。

The 'push-feel' of this button determines the product's quality.

Noun 'oshigochi' (tactile feel).

万難を排して、自らの意志を押し通すべき局面だ。

This is a situation where one should overcome all obstacles and push through one's will.

Classical/Formal phrasing 'ban-nan wo haishite'.

彼の議論は、論理よりも気迫の押しで勝っていた。

His argument won more through the 'push' of his spirit than through logic.

Abstract noun usage.

古文書には、当時の権力者の押印が鮮明に残っている。

The seal of the then-powerful ruler remains clearly on the ancient document.

Technical term 'ouin'.

押し寄せる時代の波に、抗う術はなかった。

There was no way to resist the surging waves of the era.

Compound verb 'oshiyoseru'.

その政策は、世論の強い押しを受けて実現した。

The policy was realized due to strong public pressure.

Metaphorical 'oshi'.

彼は押し出しの強い人物として、政界で知られている。

He is known in the political world as a person with a strong presence (push-out).

Idiomatic noun 'oshidashi'.

沈黙の中に、言葉以上の押しを感じた。

In the silence, I felt a 'push' stronger than words.

Poetic/Literary usage.

法案の採決を強引に押し切る構えだ。

They are prepared to force through the vote on the bill.

Political terminology.

Collocations courantes

ボタンを押す (press a button)

ハンコを押す (stamp a seal)

背中を押す (encourage someone)

ドアを押す (push a door)

スイッチを押す (flip a switch)

時間が押す (time runs late)

太鼓判を押す (give a guarantee)

指紋を押す (take fingerprints)

ベルを押す (ring a bell)

強引に押す (push forcefully)

Phrases Courantes

時間が押している (We're running late)

背中を押す (To give a nudge/support)

押しも押されもせぬ (Undisputed/Established)

押しが強い (Pushy/Assertive)

判子を押す (To sign/seal)

ボタン一つで (With the push of a button)

押しに弱い (Easy to persuade)

押し問答 (A dispute/argument)

押し入れ (Closet)

押し出す (To push out)

Souvent confondu avec

押す vs 引く (hiku)

押す vs 推す (osu)

押す vs 突く (tsuku)

Expressions idiomatiques

"太鼓判を押す (To give a big 'seal of approval')"

"背中を押す (To encourage someone to take action)"

"押しも押されもせぬ (Being a person of undisputed talent/fame)"

"押しが強い (To have a forceful personality)"

"押しの一手 (Using only one persistent tactic)"

"押しに弱い (Being unable to say no to pressure)"

"押し問答をする (To go back and forth in an argument)"

"判で押したよう (Like it was made with a stamp - monotonous/identical)"

"押しが利く (To have influence/clout)"

"押し黙る (To fall into a deep silence - 'pushing' the silence)"

Facile à confondre

押す vs

Structures de phrases

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Comment l'utiliser

social

Used for 'pushing' an opinion or 'supporting' an idol.

physical

Used for any action involving pressing or moving away.

temporal

Used when an event is behind schedule.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'osu' for pulling a door.
Confusing 押す with 推す in writing.
Using 'osu' for ironing clothes.
Forgetting the 'wo' particle.
Misinterpreting 'jikan ga oshite iru' as 'time is pushing' (meaning early) instead of 'running late'.

Astuces

Push Out

Associate 'Osu' with 'Out'. You push things out away from you.

Hanko

Always carry your hanko if you live in Japan; you'll be 'osu'-ing it a lot.

Transitivity

Remember it takes 'wo'. You push 'something'.

Time Pressure

Use 'oshite iru' to politely warn that a meeting is running long.

Oshi

Learn 'oshi' to talk about your favorite Japanese celebrities.

Kanji Radical

Look for the 扌 (hand) radical to identify action verbs like 'osu'.

Emergency Buttons

Emergency buttons are usually labeled 'Hijou-youchuu' with an 'Osu' instruction.

Encouragement

Use 'senaka wo oshite moratta' to thank someone for their support.

Signs

Practice reading '押' and '引' on every door you see in Japan.

Intonation

Keep the pitch flat to sound natural.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Oshidashi is a primary winning technique.

The act of stamping a seal is legally equivalent to a signature.

Oshi-katsu (supporting your favorite) is a major social trend.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"このボタン、押してもいいですか？ (May I press this button?)"

"会議の時間が押していますね。 (The meeting is running late, isn't it?)"

"あなたの「推し」は誰ですか？ (Who is your favorite/support?)"

"ここにハンコを押せばいいですか？ (Should I stamp my seal here?)"

"ドアを押してください。 (Please push the door.)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、誰かの背中を押してあげましたか？ (Did you encourage someone today?)

時間が押してしまった経験を書いてください。 (Write about a time you ran late.)

日本でハンコを押したことがありますか？ (Have you ever used a hanko in Japan?)

最近、何を「押し」ていますか？ (What have you been supporting lately?)

ボタンを押すのが好きな機械はありますか？ (Is there a machine you like pressing buttons on?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'osu' strictly means to push or press. The word for pull is 'hiku'.

No, for ironing, we use 'airon wo kakeru'. 'Osu' would imply physical shoving.

It's a noun from 'osu' (support) meaning your favorite idol or character.

You say 'botan wo osu'.

Yes, 'kigen ga oshite iru' can mean the deadline is pressing.

It is a standard verb. Use 'oshimasu' for the polite form.

It literally means 'push the back', but idiomatically means to encourage someone.

It's a JLPT N3/N4 kanji, relatively common and easy to recognize by the hand radical.

It's a sumo move where you push the opponent out of the ring.

Yes, it is the standard verb for using a hanko (seal).

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