Godan verb, transitive verb

  1. to push, to press.
  2. to apply pressure from above, to press down.
  3. to stamp (i.e. a passport), to apply a seal.
  4. to affix (e.g. gold leaf).
  5. to press (someone for something), to urge, to compel, to influence.
  6. to overwhelm, to overpower, to repress.
  7. to push (events along), to advance (a plan).
  8. to do in spite of ..., to do even though ..., to force.
  9. to make sure.
  10. to be pressed for time.
  11. to advance troops, to attack.
  12. (of light) to be diffused across an entire surface.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
押す おす
 
圧す おす
 
捺す おす

Contained Kanji Breakdown

push, stop, check
お.す オウ おさ.える (7th, N3)
hand, hand radical (no. 64)
シュ
armor, high (voice), A grade
かぶと コウ カン (8th, N1)