Translation and Meaning of: 消す - kesu

The Japanese word 消す[けす] is an essential verb for anyone learning the language, as it frequently appears in everyday life and various situations. Its main meaning is "to erase" or "to eliminate," but its use goes beyond the literal sense, encoming contexts such as turning off lights, deleting digital data, or even dissipating feelings. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of this word, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

If you have ever studied Japanese, you have probably come across 消す in phrases like "電源を消す" (turn off the power) or "メモを消す" (erase a note). But do you know all the nuances of this verb? Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations to assist in your learning. Let's explore everything from the composition of the kanji to common expressions that use this word in Japan.

Meaning and uses of 消す

The verb 消す has the most direct translation as "to erase," but its meaning extends to various actions related to the removal or disappearance of something. It can be used for both physical objects, such as turning off a light or extinguishing a flame, as well as for abstract elements, like eliminating doubts or dissipating tensions. This versatility makes it an indispensable word in Japanese vocabulary.

In a technological context, 消す frequently appears in everyday situations, such as turning off an electronic device or deleting files from a computer. In more subjective conversations, it can be used to express ideas like "erasing memories" or "making something disappear." This variety of applications demonstrates how Japanese often combines the concrete and the abstract in a single expression.

Origin and composition of kanji

The kanji 消 is composed of the water radical (氵) and the component 肖, which suggests something that diminishes or gradually disappears. This combination creates the idea of something that dissolves or vanishes, like a substance in water or a flame that goes out. The etymology reinforces the main meaning of the verb, which is related to the action of causing something to cease or fade away.

It is worth noting that 消す is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means that its conjugation follows a specific pattern. This grammatical classification is important for those who are learning, as it directly affects how the verb will be used in different tenses and forms. The pronunciation "kesu" is also quite regular, with no significant dialectal variations throughout Japan.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of 消す is to associate it with everyday situations, such as pressing a switch to "turn off the light" (電気を消す). Creating flashcards with images of objects being turned off or erased can help to memorizing the word visually. Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences that contrast 消す with its opposite, つける (to turn on).

Interestingly, 消す appears in various anime and Japanese dramas, especially in scenes involving technology or dramatic moments where characters want to "erase" memories. Paying attention to these uses in media can be a fun way to absorb vocabulary. Always to check the context, as with many Japanese verbs, the meaning can vary slightly depending on the situation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 消す

• 消す - Basic Vocabulary
• 消します - polite form
• 消して - imperative form
• 消される - ive form
• 消そう - Volitive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 消し去る (kesu-saru) - Delete, erase
• 消し去す (kesu-sasu) - Sinonym of 消し去る, also means to erase or eliminate.
• 消し炭 (keshitan) - Extinguished coal, coal that has been put out
• 消し煙 (keshiken) - Extinguished smoke, smoke that has been put out
• 消し炭化 (keshitanka) - Carbonization process in which the material is transformed into coal
• 消し炭素 (keshitanso) - Carbon off, reference to carbon that has been eliminated or transformed
• 消し炭素化 (keshitansokai) - Carbon transformation process
• 消し炭素化合物 (keshitansokagōbutsu) - Composite of carbon erased
• 消し炭素化学 (keshitansokagaku) - Chemistry of inactive carbon, chemical study on non-active carbons
• 消し炭素化学反応 (keshitansokagaku hannō) - Chemical reaction of erased carbon
• 消し炭素化学式 (keshitansokagaku-shiki) - Chemical formula of carbon black
• 消し炭素化学物質 (keshitansokagaku busshitsu) - Chemical substance of carbon erased
• 消し炭素化学反応式 (keshitansokagaku hannō-shiki) - Chemical reaction equation of burnt carbon
• 消し炭素化学反応物質 (keshitansokagaku hannō busshitsu) - Reagent substance in the soot reaction
• 消し炭素化学反応速度 (keshitansokagaku hannō sokudo) - Chemical reaction speed of dead carbon
• 消し炭素化学反応速度定数 (keshitansokagaku hannō sokudo teisu) - Constant of the reaction rate of carbon black
• 消し炭素化学反応速度論 (keshitansokagaku hannō sokudoron) - Theory of the reaction rate of carbon black