Translation guide
The English phrase "push against" describes applying force to something, often with the intent to move it, resist it, or lean on it. In Japanese, the translation depends on the nature of the object, the direction of force, and the intended outcome. Common verbs include 押す (osu) for general pushing, 押し付ける (oshitsukeru) for pressing against, and もたれる (motareru) for leaning against. This guide covers physical pushing, metaphorical resistance, and leaning.
To apply force to something with the hand or body, often to move it or test its resistance.
The most general verb for 'push'. It can be used for pushing doors, buttons, people, etc. When pushing against a surface, it often implies applying force to move or open something.
ドアを押してください。
Please push the door.
彼は壁を押した。
He pushed against the wall.
Means 'to press against' or 'push against firmly'. It emphasizes pressing something onto a surface or person, often with sustained force.
彼は私の胸に手を押し付けた。
He pushed his hand against my chest.
スタンプを紙に押し付けてください。
Press the stamp against the paper.
Similar to 押し付ける, but often implies pressing something against a surface for a specific purpose, like applying a cloth or tool.
彼は傷口にガーゼを押し当てた。
He pressed the gauze against the wound.
Means 'to poke' or 'thrust'. It can be used for a sharp, quick push against something, like with a finger or stick.
彼は指で私の背中を突いた。
He poked my back with his finger.
To lean one's body or an object against a surface for support.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to lean against'. Used for people leaning on walls, railings, etc.
彼は壁にもたれていた。
He was leaning against the wall.
Also means 'to lean against', often implying relying on something for support, either physically or emotionally.
Literally 'to put one's weight on'. Used when pushing against something with body weight, like leaning heavily.
彼はドアに体重をかけて押した。
He pushed against the door, putting his weight on it.
To resist or oppose a force, trend, or idea.
Means 'to resist'. Used for pushing back against authority, change, or physical force.
彼らは新しい規則に抵抗した。
They pushed against the new rules.
Means 'to go against' or 'defy'. Often used for opposing people, orders, or natural flow.
流れに逆らって泳ぐのは大変だ。
It's hard to swim against the current.
Means 'to repel' or 'react against'. Implies a strong negative reaction or pushback.
その提案に社員は反発した。
The employees pushed back against the proposal.
To push a button, key, or switch.
The standard verb for pushing buttons. Often used with the particle を.
エレベーターのボタンを押してください。
Please push the elevator button.
押す (osu) is the general 'push'. 押し付ける (oshitsukeru) implies pressing firmly against something, often with sustained force. 押し当てる (oshiatateru) is similar but often used for applying something (like a cloth) to a surface. For leaning, use もたれる (motareru) or 寄りかかる (yorikakaru).
Directly translating 'push against' as 押す (osu) for abstract resistance (e.g., 'push against the system') sounds unnatural. Use 抵抗する (teikou suru) or 逆らう (sakarau) instead.
疲れて彼女は彼に寄りかかった。
Tired, she leaned against him.