Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Push" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "push", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
押し通す
おしとおす (oshitoosu)
N2 / 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 押し通す and 撥ね退ける.
In Japanese, 押し通す (おしとおす (oshitoosu)) is typically associated with "to push through; to carry through to the end; to insist on (one's opinion)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Similar to 押し切る, but often emphasizes seeing something through to completion or maintaining one's position despite obstacles or opposition..
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 "押し通す"
どんなに困難でも、自分の信念を押し通すことが大切だ。
It's important to stick to your beliefs, no matter how difficult.
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: "どんなに困難でも、自分の信念を ＿＿＿ ことが大切だ。" (Meaning: "It's important to stick to your beliefs, no matter how difficult.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "押し通す" fits here because it means "to push through; to carry through to the end; to insist on (one's opinion)" in the context of: "It's important to stick to your beliefs, no matter how difficult.". "撥ね退ける" represents "to push aside, to repel, to brush off (an attack, an obstacle, a suggestion)".