Translation and Meaning of: 減らす - herasu

The word 「減らす」 (herasu) is a Japanese verb that means "to reduce" or "to diminish." Its etymology derives from the kanji 「減」 (gen), which conveys the idea of reduction, and the verbal suffix 「らす」 (rasu), used to indicate an action. The kanji 「減」 is composed of the radical for "water" 「氵」 on the left side, and the radical "drop" on the right side 「咸」, suggesting the idea of something that trickles or becomes less abundant over time.

Definition and Everyday Use

The use of the expression 「減らす」 (herasu) is quite common in everyday Japanese, appearing in various contexts ranging from resource conservation to weight loss. The word carries a practical connotation and is often used in sentences to describe actions aimed at limiting the use of something, such as energy, money, or even the quantity of food. Thus, it plays a relevant role in both domestic situations and discussions about sustainability and efficient resource management.

Other variations and associated forms include 「減少」 (genshou) which means "reduction" or "decrease" and is generally used as a noun, and 「減り」 (heri) which is a form of the verb heresu, indicating the action of reducing in a more ongoing sense. In the Japanese language, this lexical flexibility allows for the expression of specific nuances of quantity and process, intrinsic characteristics of the language. The importance of the word extends beyond the simple action of diminishing, promoting a focus on conscious use and the preservation of resources.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 減らす

• 減らす - Positive form, present simple
• 減らさない - Negative form, present simple
• 減らします - Polite form, simple present
• 減らした - Positive form, simple past
• 減らさせる - causative form

Synonyms and similar words

• 減じる (genjiru) - Decrease, reduce.
• 減る (heru) - Decrease, be reduced (in quantity).
• 縮める (chijimeru) - Shorten, reduce the length.
• 縮小する (shukusho suru) - Reduce in size or scale.
• 削減する (saku gen suru) - Reduce (cut costs, for example).
• 減退する (gentai suru) - Decrease (in strength or effectiveness).
• 減量する (genryou suru) - Lose weight, reduce the amount of something.
• 減額する (gengaku suru) - Reduce the amount (like an invoice).
• 省く (habuku) - Omit, exclude unnecessary elements.
• 省略する (shouryaku suru) - Omit, condense information.
• 簡略化する (kanryakuka suru) - Simplify, make something simpler.
• 簡素化する (kansokuka suru) - Make something simpler or more basic.
• 簡単化する (kantan ka suru) - Facilitate, make easy.