Oshi
What does Oshi mean?
Oshi is a Japanese fandom word for the person or character you most actively support, such as a favorite idol, VTuber, athlete, or anime character.
Oshi used in a sentence
“Her oshi announced a solo concert, so she started saving her allowance the same day.”
This example shows the term in context rather than treating the definition as a literal word-for-word substitution. Slang often depends on tone, audience, and the conversation around it.
How do you use Oshi?
Oshi carries a more devoted nuance than simply 'favorite': it implies cheering for and supporting the person through purchases, streams, events, and sharing their work. 'Oshikatsu' refers to the activities fans do to support their oshi. Many fans have more than one oshi, and the word has spread to English-speaking anime, idol, and VTuber communities.
Where did Oshi come from?
Oshi (推し) comes from the Japanese verb 'osu,' meaning to push or recommend. It began as idol-fan slang, spreading among Morning Musume fans on the 2channel message board and becoming more widespread around AKB48's popularity in the 2010s. The 2023 anime Oshi no Ko helped introduce the word to many international fans.
Common variations of Oshi
oshikatsu
The activities fans do to support their oshi, such as buying merch or attending events.
Oshi: frequently asked questions
Is an oshi the same as a bias?
They are similar. 'Bias' is the K-pop term for a favorite member, while 'oshi' is the Japanese fandom equivalent with a strong sense of active support.
Can an oshi be a fictional character?
Yes. An oshi can be a real idol or performer, a VTuber, or an anime, manga, or game character.