Japanese

せなかをおす
Meaning: to encourage; to give a push; to help someone make a decision
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 背中を押す 背中を押さない
Polite 背中を押します 背中を押しません
Past 背中を押した 背中を押さなかった
Polite + Past 背中を押しました 背中を押しませんでした
Te-form 背中を押して 背中を押さなくて
Potential 背中を押せる 背中を押せない
Passive 背中を押される 背中を押されない
Causative 背中を押させる 背中を押させない
Imperative 背中を押せ 背中を押すな

Handwriting

背
中
を
押
す

Example

The teacher's words gave me the push I needed.

Usage Notes

Literally means 'to push someone's back', but figuratively used to describe encouraging someone who is hesitating.

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