How do you say "to switch off" in Japanese?

消す

kesu

Verb Kanji

In Japanese, "to switch off" is 消す (kesu).

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Pronunciation

消す is written using kanji. Romanised as kesu, it sounds roughly like "keh-soo" to an English ear.

Writing and usage

Kesu (消す) uses the kanji sho (extinguish or vanish). It applies to lights, equipment, or electronic devices turning off or being extinguished.

Example sentence

週末に消しますつもりです。

Shuumatsu ni keshimasu tsumori desu.

I plan to to switch off this weekend.

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How to remember 消す

Kesu contains the vanish kanji, fitting for the action of making something disappear by turning it off.

Related words

Browse all Japanese words in the glossary.

See more Japanese verbs.

Questions about 消す

How do you pronounce 消す?

消す is romanised as kesu. Say it roughly like "keh-soo" in English. Each Japanese syllable has even weight, so keep the rhythm steady.

Is 消す formal or casual?

消す is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech. The level of formality comes from the sentence structure around it, not from the word itself.

How is 消す written in Japanese?

消す is written using kanji. Kesu (消す) uses the kanji sho (extinguish or vanish).

Where can I practice Japanese words for free?

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"To switch off" in other languages

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