うっす
ussu
うっす (ussu) is the Japanese way to say "sup, bro?"
This greeting is used to acknowledge someone's presence quickly rather than to initiate a long conversation about one's well-being.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
うっす is a highly informal, clipped greeting used primarily among male friends.
How do you pronounce it?
ussu
Did you know?
- The greeting うっす is a phonetic evolution of 押忍, a term used in traditional karate to signify endurance and patience. It originally referred to the act of breathing through pain during rigorous training.
- In many Japanese sports clubs, junior members use うっす as a mandatory, rapid-fire response to seniors to show alertness and readiness. In this context, it functions more like a military 'sir' than a casual 'sup'.
- In many anime and manga, you will see characters use うっす to signify a certain 'tough guy' or 'delinquent' persona, often accompanied by a specific nod.
Examples in context
- うっす、元気？ussu, genki?Sup, bro? How are you?
- うっす！久しぶり。ussu! hisashiburi.Sup! Long time no see.
- うっす、調子どう？ussu, choushi dou?Sup, how's it going?
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a convenience store.
- 陽葵 Himariうっす、陽太！Ussu, Youta!Sup, Youta!
- 陽太 Yotaうっす、陽葵！Ussu, Himari!Sup, Himari!
- 陽葵 Himari何買いに来たの？Nani kai ni kita no?What did you come to buy?
- 陽太 Yota飲み物を買いにきたよ。Nomimono o kai ni kita yo.I came to buy some drinks.
