“To push” in Japanese is 押す (おす), pronounced osu.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To push or press. You’ll see 押す on doors and buttons.
Example sentences
- ボタンを押してください。ボタンをおしてください。Please press the button.
- ドアを押しました。ドアをおしました。I pushed the door.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 押す. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 押す おす | push |
| Polite present | 押します おします | push |
| Polite negative | 押しません おしません | don’t push |
| Polite past | 押しました おしました | past of “push” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 押さない おさない | don’t push (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 押した おした | past of “push” (casual) |
| て-form | 押して おして | push and… / please push (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 押したい おしたい | want to push |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
引くto pull運転するto drive踊るto danceあるto exist (things)いるto exist (people & animals)食べるto eat飲むto drink行くto go
FAQ
How do you say to push in Japanese?
To push in Japanese is 押す (おす), pronounced “osu”.
How do you write to push in Japanese?
It's written 押す with kanji, or おす in hiragana. Both are read osu.
Is 押す on the JLPT?
Yes. 押す (osu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.