Osu!
As a new student in a Japanese karate dojo, you’re likely to hear the word “osu” quite a bit, and different dojos use it differently. Some dojos barely use it, and some dojos use it so much it’s exhausting.
How to Say Osu!
If you’ve read the article on Japanese pronunciation, you already know this - It’s pronounced, “OSU!”. (Like “OH” with an “S” on the end.)
You’ll hear it pronounced other ways: Like the word “Us,” like “Oz” with an “S” on the end, or like the word “wuss” without the “W.” Nope, nope, and nope!
When to Say Osu!
Without getting into what “osu” actually means, where it comes from, or all of the different ways it can be used, you can “play it safe” by using it in the following situations:
- As a greeting or farewell.
- When bowing to another person in the dojo.
- As an affirmative response, indicating understanding or compliance.
So, for example:
- Steve and Mike run into each other in the locker room. “Osu!”
- Jane and Dave bow to each other before a partner drill. “Osu!”
- Sensei explains something and asks if you understand. “Osu!”