Osu vs. hai or politeness above all

"Osu" vs. "Hai" or politeness above all

“Osu” … we have certainly all heard it or even used it as an expression of greeting and acknowledgement. A sort of all-purpose word repeated in a mechanical way, without knowing what it really means.

We practice a Japanese martial art, breath in its culture, learn karatedo terms and basic everyday conversational expressions in Japanese, but we must admit, we are far from understanding all delicate details and unwritten rules. So where does it come from and what does it really mean? There is no straight answer, only theories to meditate upon.

1. Let’s see it first from a linguistic approach. Dr. Mizutani Osamu, professor at the University of Nagoya, conducted an experiment with greetings. He greeted unknown people on the street with the expression “Ohayo gozaimasu” meaning “Good morning” and observed their reactions. Although most of them responded alike, he noted that some men – especially those involved in an athletic activity such as jogging – tend to give shortened answers, like “Ohayossu!”, “Ohayoosu!”, “Oossu!”, or simply… “Osu!” He concluded that “Osu” can be a contraction of the more formal expression “Ohayo gozaimasu”. In this case it could be translated as the very intimate and familiar “wazzup!”or “hey ya!” Using formal expressions is a sign of politeness and respect to seniors, instructors, women or strangers. More casual, shortened words are considered by Dr. Mizutani as rough, male expressions. Such way of speaking is inappropriate, thus avoided by women using a more delicate feminine vocabulary.

Source: Dr. Mizutani Osamu: “Japanese: The Spoken Language in Japanese Life”

2. The second theory is from a historical angle. Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi, Vice Chairman of Japan Karatedo Federation Shitokai and ISKK's honorary president, explained that “Osu” comes with a lot of historical and cultural baggage, which we should be aware of. “Osu” first appeared in the Officers Academy of the Imperial Japanese Navy, in the early 20^th century. Shihan Mizuguchi warns us that for Japanese, especially for the elder generation, it has a strong military connotation, making them uncomfortable to use and hear it.

Source: Shihan Mizuguchi Hirofumi’s recitals

3. The third theory, coming from Kyokushin Karate, says that the term “Osu” comes from a longer phrase known as “Osu no Seishin” meaning “the spirit of Osu”. In this particular case, “Osu” is a combination of two different kanji (Sino-Japanese characters): 押し “Oshi" meaning "push" and 忍ぶ "Shinobu" meaning "to endure". When combined, they form a compound word symbolizing determination and perseverance. It implies the karateka’s willingness to push himself to the limits of endurance, to persevere under any kind of pressure. So in Kyokushin Karate “Osu” is a reminder of commitment and devotion.

Source: Masutatsu Oyama: “Mas Oyama’s essential Karate”

To summarize things, “Osu” neither means “Yes” nor “I understand”, although sometimes it is used that way. From all these above-mentioned theories we get the same echo: politeness above all. In our case which is the practice of karatedo, we follow martial values such as discipline, respect, courtesy and good manners.

Thus, “Hai” and “Onegaishimasu” are the appropriate expressions to use during training towards the Sensei and fellow karateka.

Don’t be lazy with good manners, give respect and you will earn it in return!