Translation guide
The English verb 'push' covers a range of actions from physically pressing something to urging someone to do something. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the direction, force, and object of the pushing action.
To press against something with force in order to move it away from you.
The most common verb for pushing something forward, pressing a button, or shoving. Transitive.
Please push the door.
ボタンを押すと、機械が動きます。
If you push the button, the machine will start.
To push something into a tight space or cram it in. Transitive.
荷物をトランクに押し込んだ。
I pushed the luggage into the trunk.
To poke, prod, or jab; a sharp, quick push. Transitive.
彼は私の背中を指で突いた。
He poked my back with his finger.
To push something aside or away, often with a sense of dismissal. Transitive.
彼は書類を押しやって、立ち上がった。
He pushed the papers aside and stood up.
To press a button, key, or switch to operate something.
The standard verb for pressing buttons, keys, or switches.
エレベーターのボタンを押す。
Push the elevator button.
電源ボタンを長押ししてください。
Please push and hold the power button.
To shove or jostle a person.
General verb for pushing a person. Can be used for accidental or intentional shoving.
人混みで押されないように気をつけて。
Be careful not to get pushed in the crowd.
To push someone forcefully, often knocking them over. Implies violence.
To move something like a door or window by pushing.
To push something open. Transitive.
彼はドアを押し開けた。
He pushed the door open.
To push something shut. Transitive.
引き出しを押し閉めた。
I pushed the drawer shut.
To move forward forcefully, often through obstacles or opposition.
To push one's way forward; to advance despite difficulties. Intransitive.
彼らは敵陣に押し進んだ。
They pushed forward into enemy territory.
To propel or drive forward; often used for policies, projects, or physical objects. Transitive.
政府は改革を推進している。
The government is pushing forward reforms.
To strongly encourage or pressure someone to take action.
To urge, prompt, or encourage someone to do something. Often used in formal or written contexts.
上司は私に決断を促した。
My boss pushed me to make a decision.
Literally 'push someone's back'; idiom meaning to give someone a supportive push or encouragement.
友達の言葉が私の背中を押した。
My friend's words gave me the push I needed.
To drive or spur someone on, often by strong emotion or desire. Transitive.
To advocate for or promote something persistently.
To push forward with a plan or policy; to promote actively. Transitive.
彼は自分の案を推し進めた。
He pushed his own proposal.
To push a product or idea; to market aggressively. Transitive.
To force oneself to work hard or go beyond normal limits.
To push oneself into a corner; to drive oneself hard. Often used in sports or work.
彼は自分を追い込んでトレーニングした。
He pushed himself hard in training.
To overdo it; to push oneself beyond reasonable limits. Often carries a negative connotation of straining oneself.
あまり無理をしないでください。
Don't push yourself too hard.
押す (osu) means 'push', while 引く (hiku) means 'pull'. These are often seen as opposites on doors and in instructions. Remember: 押す = push away, 引く = pull toward.
While 押す is the most common translation, it doesn't work for metaphorical pushes like 'push a deadline' or 'push an update'. For those, use other verbs like 延ばす (extend) or 配信する (distribute).
彼は相手を突き飛ばした。
He shoved the other person.
好奇心が彼を冒険に駆り立てた。
Curiosity pushed him into the adventure.
新商品を売り込む。
Push a new product.