Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Push" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "push", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
おす
おす (osu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
押し出す
おしだす (oshidasu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "push" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おす and 押し出す.
In Japanese, おす (おす (osu)) is typically associated with "to push" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Refers to the physical act of pushing. Often seen on doors.
On the other hand, 押し出す (おしだす (oshidasu)) maps to "to push out; to squeeze out" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used for physically pushing something out of a confined space, or for a crowd pushing someone out. Can also mean to force something out.. A literal translation of "push" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "おす"
ドアを押してください。
Please push the door.
Bilingual Context for "押し出す"
満員電車でドアから押し出されそうになった。
I was almost pushed out of the door on the crowded train.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ドアを押してください。" (Meaning: "Please push the door.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "おす" fits here because it means "to push" in the context of: "Please push the door.". "押し出す" represents "to push out; to squeeze out".