押し通す

• Reading: おしとおす
• Romaji: oshitoosu
• Kanji breakdown: 押 (ō/o) — push, press; 通 (tsū/too) — pass through, carry out
• Pronunciation: /o.ɕi.to.o.sɯ/

Meaning

To force through; to push through; to persist with one's course despite opposition. Conveys determination and stubbornness in maintaining a position or completing a goal.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 押す (osu, to push) and 通す (toosu, to pass through/carry through to the end). The compound captures the image of pushing something all the way through an obstruction — not stopping partway. In practice it describes people who insist on their own plan despite objections, maintain a lie consistently, or force a policy through resistance. Depending on context, it can be admirable (perseverance) or negative (stubbornness).

Examples

1. 反対意見を無視して自分の案を押し通す姿勢に批判が集まった。 His insistence on forcing through his own proposal while ignoring opposing views drew heavy criticism.
2. 困難にあっても信念を押し通した結果、ついに成功を手にした。 By holding firm to his convictions through adversity, he finally achieved success.
3. 無理だと言われても最後まで主張を押し通し、計画を実現させた。 Despite being told it was impossible, he pushed his argument through to the end and made the plan a reality.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, negotiation, perseverance

Tone: forceful

Origin & History

Compound of 押す (osu, to push, from Old Japanese) and 通す (toosu, to pass through, carry to completion). The 通す component adds the sense of going all the way to the end, making 押し通す stronger than simply 押す — it implies refusing to be stopped.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal