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
撥ね退ける
はねのける (hanenokeru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "push" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between おす and 撥ね退ける.
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, 撥ね退ける (はねのける (hanenokeru)) maps to "to push aside, to repel, to brush off (an attack, an obstacle, a suggestion)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implying using force or strong will to remove an obstacle or reject something unwelcome. Can be physical. 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 "撥ね退ける"
彼は困難な状況を撥ね退けて、成功を収めた。
He pushed aside the difficult situation and achieved success.
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.". "撥ね退ける" represents "to push aside, to repel, to brush off (an attack, an obstacle, a suggestion)".