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.
ドアを押してください。
Please push the door.
If you push the button, the machine will start.
To push something into a tight space or cram it in. Transitive.
I pushed the luggage into the trunk.
To poke, prod, or jab; a sharp, quick push. Transitive.
He poked my back with his finger.
To push something aside or away, often with a sense of dismissal. Transitive.
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.
Push the elevator button.
Please push and hold the power button.
To shove or jostle a person.
To move something like a door or window by pushing.
To move forward forcefully, often through obstacles or opposition.
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.
My boss pushed me to make a decision.
Literally 'push someone's back'; idiom meaning to give someone a supportive push or encouragement.
To drive or spur someone on, often by strong emotion or desire. Transitive.
To advocate for or promote something persistently.
To force oneself to work hard or go beyond normal limits.
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).
He shoved the other person.
My friend's words gave me the push I needed.
Curiosity pushed him into the adventure.
新商品を売り込む。
Push a new product.