SOS

えすおーえす
noun
SOS, distress signal
communication
1. SOS, distress signal
An internationally recognized distress signal, used to request help in emergencies.
SOSを発信(はっしん)する。
I send an SOS signal.
船(ふね)がSOSを出(だ)した。
The ship sent out an SOS.
遭難(そうなん)者(しゃ)がSOSの信号(しんごう)を送(おく)った。
The person in distress sent an SOS signal.
2. cry for help, urgent appeal
A figurative request for help or assistance in a difficult situation.
助(たす)けを求(もと)めてSOSを出(だ)す。
I send out an SOS asking for help.
人手(ひとで)不足(ぶそく)でSOSの状態(じょうたい)だ。
We're in SOS mode due to staff shortage.
締(し)め切(き)り前(まえ)に同僚(どうりょう)にSOSを出(だ)した。
I sent an SOS to my colleague before the deadline.

SOS is the international Morse code distress signal (· · · — — — · · ·).

Common collocations

Usage

Morse code

S = · · · (three short)
O = — — — (three long)
S = · · · (three short)

general
Added 2026.1.29 11:47 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08500/08881_esuooesu