あAwkward Japanese

Ossu! (オッス) is one of the most recognizable greetings in the Japanese language, specifically within the world of martial arts and sports. In Dragon Ball, it is the first half of Goku’s most famous catchphrase: "Ossu! Ora Goku!" (Hey! It’s me, Goku!). 1. What does it mean? In a general sense, Ossu is a rough, masculine way of saying "Yo," "Hey," or "Hello." However, its meaning changes depending on the situation: - As a Greeting: "Hey!" or "Morning!" - As an Answer: "Yes, sir!" or "Understood!" - In Combat: A shout of spirit or determination (like "Hoo-ah!" in the military). 2. The Martial Arts Connection Goku uses this word because he is, first and foremost, a martial artist. In real-world Japanese dojos (Karate, Judo, Kendo), "Ossu" is the standard way to address your teacher or training partners. There is a deep theory that the word comes from the kanji 押忍: - Osu (押): To push. - Shinobu (忍): To endure. Together, it represents the "Spirit of Perseverance"—pushing yourself through pain and exhaustion. 3. Why Goku says it Goku’s specific use of the word is a mix of two things: - His Identity: He’s a martial artist, so "Ossu" is his natural "default" setting. - His "Country Bumpkin" Vibe: Goku speaks in a very informal, rural dialect (Tohoku-ben influence). He doesn't use polite language like Konnichiwa. "Ossu" fits his simple-minded, friendly, and rough personality perfectly. The Full Catchphrase: "Ossu! Ora Goku!" This line is legendary in Japan because it appeared at the start of almost every "Next Episode Preview" for decades. - Ossu! -> Hey! / Yo! - Ora -> I / Me (A very informal, "tough guy" or rural way to say "I"). - Goku -> His name.