Meaning and Usage
"押す" (おす) primarily means "to push" or "to press." It is a very common verb used in everyday situations such as pressing buttons, pushing doors, or stamping documents.
Common Contexts
- Pressing buttons: e.g., エレベーターのボタンを押す (press the elevator button).
- Pushing objects: e.g., ドアを押す (push the door).
- Stamping or sealing: e.g., 書類に印鑑を押す (stamp a document).
Collocations and Patterns
- ボタンを押す: to press a button.
- 印鑑を押す: to stamp with a seal.
- 強く押す: to push hard.
Register and Politeness
"押す" is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When making requests, it is common to add ください (e.g., ボタンを押してください).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "押す" with "押さえる" (おさえる), which means "to hold down" or "to restrain." Remember that "押す" focuses on the action of pushing or pressing, while "押さえる" implies holding something in place.