Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Push" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "push", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
押す
おす (osu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
押し通す
おしとおす (oshitoosu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "push" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 押す and 押し通す.
In Japanese, 押す (おす (osu)) is typically associated with "to push" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for pushing objects, buttons, or crowds. 対義語は「引く」です。.
On the other hand, 押し通す (おしとおす (oshitoosu)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "push" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "押す"
ドアをゆっくり押してください。
Please push the door slowly.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ドアをゆっくり押してください。" (Meaning: "Please push the door slowly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "押す" fits here because it means "to push" in the context of: "Please push the door slowly.". "押し通す" represents "to push through; to carry through to the end; to insist on (one's opinion)".