おっす
ossu
The English phrase "hey man" can be translated into Japanese as おっす (ossu).
おっす is an informal greeting used between male friends. Beyond acting as a greeting, it is also frequently used among peers as a very short, informal way to say "yes" or "I understand".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
おっす is highly informal. It is primarily used between close male friends or in certain martial arts contexts. Other informal ways to interact with friends include using おい to grab someone's attention, adding よ to convey familiarity or addressing someone older or within a close-knit circle as 兄貴.
How do you pronounce it?
ossu
Did you know?
- おっす is likely a drastic contraction of the very formal morning greeting おはようございます.
- Because of its strong and clipped sound, using おっす with a stranger or a superior can be perceived as aggressive or arrogant rather than friendly.
- The phrase おっす is so closely tied to masculine identity that if a woman uses it, it is often seen as a deliberate choice to project a 'tomboy' persona.
Examples in context
- おっす、元気？ossu, genki?Hey man, how are you?
- おっす！久しぶりだな。ossu! hisashiburi dana.Hey man! It's been a while.
- おっす、今日もしっかりやろうぜ。ossu, kyou mo shikkari yarou ze.Hey man, let's work hard today too.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a convenience store.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔、おっす！Daito, ossu!Hey man, Daito!
- 大翔 Hirotoおっす！何してるの？Ossu! Nani shiteru no?Hey! What are you doing?
- 陽葵 Himari飲み物を買いに来たよ。Nomimono o kai ni kita yo.I came to buy some drinks.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうなんだ。じゃあまたね。So nan da. Jaa mata ne.I see. See you later then.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries おっす, CC BY-SA 4.0.
