うっす
ussu
The Japanese phrase for "sup" is うっす (ussu).
うっす is a very casual greeting used to say hello to a friend. Rather than being a question about how someone is doing, it is often used as a quick acknowledgment when passing someone in a hallway or entering a room.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
うっす is a highly casual, slangy greeting. It is used primarily between male friends or subordinates to a superior in a very relaxed setting.
How do you pronounce it?
ussu
When do people say it?
In Okinawa, people often use Haisai as a greeting instead of Konnichiwa. Among friends or in relaxed environments, one might also use Genki? to mean "How are you?"
Did you know?
- The phrase うっす is a heavily slurred version of 押忍, a term rooted in traditional karate and martial arts training. It was originally used to express patience and perseverance through hardship.
- Because the phrase is so heavily associated with masculine energy, a female speaker using うっす would sound strikingly tomboyish or extremely unconventional.
- While it sounds like a simple greeting, saying うっす to a teacher or a boss in a standard office could be perceived as incredibly rude or even aggressive.
Examples in context
- うっす！ussu!Sup!
- うっす、元気？ussu, genki?Sup, you good?
- うっす、久しぶり！ussu, hisashiburi!Sup, long time no see!
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto meet at a convenience store.
- 結衣 Yuiうっす！何買ってるの？Ussu! Nani katteru no?Sup! What are you buying?
- 大翔 Hirotoうっす。お菓子買ってるよ。Ussu. Okashi katteru yo.Sup. Just some snacks.
- 結衣 Yuiいいなあ。私も一緒に買うわ。Ii naa. Watashi mo issho ni kau wa.Nice. I'll buy some too.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。ゆっくり選んで。Ii yo. Yukkuri erande.Sure. Take your time picking.
