推し
oshi
To stan in Japanese is 推し (oshi).
Meaning: to be an obsessive fan (of) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 'stan' in English can sometimes have a negative connotation of being creepy or obsessive, 推し is generally a neutral to positive term used to describe one's primary support in fandom culture.
How do you pronounce it?
oshi
Did you know?
- While 推し is used as a noun, it stems from the verb 推す (osu), which means 'to push'. This creates a metaphor of 'pushing' or promoting your favorite person to help them succeed.
- When a fan is exceptionally devoted, they might describe themselves as being in a state of 推しが尊い (oshi ga toutoi), which literally translates to 'my favorite is precious' or 'divine'.
- Fans often use the phrase 推し事 (oshigoto) to describe the activities they do to support their idol. Although it sounds like the word for 'work', it is a playful pun meaning 'fan activities' rather than a professional job.
Examples in context
- 私は熱狂的なファンです。彼女の音楽はすべて聴きます。I am an enthusiastic fan. I listen to all of her music.
- 最近、新しい推しができました。Saikin, atarashii oshi ga dekimashita.I recently found a new stan (to obsess over).
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new anime.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのアニメのキャラ、みんないいよね。Kono anime no kyara, minna ii yo ne.All the characters in this anime are great, aren't they?
- 陽葵 Himari私は陽葵の推しは、主人公の彼です。Watashi no oshi wa, shujinkō no kare desu.My favorite is the main character.
- 大翔 Hirotoやっぱり！大翔も彼を推しているよ。Yappari! Daishō mo kare o oshite iru yo.I knew it! I'm stanning him too.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に応援しようね！Issho ni ōen shiyō ne!Let's support him together!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 推し, CC BY-SA 4.0.
