Translation guide
How to express the action of pressing something downward in Japanese, depending on what is being pressed and the context.
To apply pressure from above to push something down, such as a button, lid, or object.
The most common verb for 'press' or 'push'. When combined with directional words like 下に or 下へ, it means 'press down'. Often used alone when context makes the direction clear.
ボタンを押してください。
Please press the button.
蓋を上から押して閉めてください。
Please press the lid down from above to close it.
Means 'to hold down' or 'to press and keep in place'. Implies continuous pressure to prevent movement.
風で飛ばないように紙を押さえてください。
Please hold the paper down so it doesn't blow away.
Literally 'push down'. A compound verb that explicitly means to press something downward. More formal or technical.
レバーを押し下げてください。
Please push the lever down.
To compress, flatten, or force something downward using body weight or heavy pressure.
Means 'to crush' or 'to press flat'. Used when pressing down deforms or flattens something.
空き缶を足で押しつぶした。
I crushed the empty can with my foot.
To press a button, key, or switch downward, often with a finger.
The standard verb for pressing buttons or keys. Direction is implied.
エンターキーを押してください。
Please press the Enter key.
To press something in or down firmly, often into a slot or until it clicks.
To suppress feelings, urges, or opposition.
Means 'to suppress' or 'to hold back'. Used for emotions, desires, or impulses.
怒りを抑えるのに苦労した。
I struggled to suppress my anger.
To forcefully suppress or stifle something, such as a rebellion or emotion.
押す (osu) is a simple push or press, often momentary. 押さえる (osaeru) implies holding down with continuous pressure to keep something in place.
In many cases, the direction 'down' is understood from context, so you don't need to add 下に or use a compound verb. For example, 'press the button' is simply ボタンを押す.
To pin down or hold down with force, often against a surface. Can be physical or metaphorical.
彼は相手を床に押さえつけた。
He pinned his opponent down to the floor.
カードを奥まで押し込んでください。
Please push the card all the way in.
政府は反対意見を押さえ込もうとした。
The government tried to suppress dissenting opinions.