When you want to talk about making something smaller in amount or number, you can use the verb 減らす (herasu). This word means 'to decrease' or 'to lessen' something. For example, if you eat too much, you might want to 減らす (herasu) the amount of food you eat.
It's a really useful verb when you are talking about reducing things like stress, expenses, or even the volume of your music. Just remember, you use it when you are actively making something less.
When you want to express the idea of reducing or decreasing something in Japanese, you'll often use the verb 減らす (herasu). This is a transitive verb, meaning it directly acts upon an object.
For example, if you want to say you're reducing your sugar intake, you'd use 減らす. It can be applied to tangible things like the amount of food or abstract concepts like stress. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of "to cut down on" or "to diminish."
§ What does 減らす mean?
- DEFINITION
- To decrease; to lessen (transitive)
減らす (herasu) is a verb that means to decrease, reduce, or lessen something. It's a transitive verb, which means it always needs a direct object – something that is being decreased. Think of it as the opposite of 増やす (fuyasu), which means to increase.
You'll hear and read 減らす in a lot of everyday situations. It's a very common and practical word. Here are some common contexts where it's used:
- Reducing quantity: This is probably the most common use. You might decrease the amount of sugar in your coffee, the number of tasks you have, or the volume of music.
- Reducing weight or size: If someone is on a diet, they are trying to 減らす their weight. You can also 減らす the size of something.
- Reducing expenses or costs: Businesses and individuals often try to 減らす their spending or costs.
- Reducing effort or time: You might want to 減らす the amount of time you spend on something, or the effort you put into it.
- Reducing stress or burden: People often look for ways to 減らす their stress levels or the burden they feel.
The key thing to remember is that 減らす is about an action taken by someone or something to make another thing smaller or less. It's not about something decreasing on its own; for that, you would use 減る (heru), which is the intransitive counterpart.
§ Examples of 減らす in action
砂糖の量を減らしてください。
Translation hint: Please reduce the amount of sugar.
体重を減らすためにジムに行っています。
Translation hint: I'm going to the gym to lose weight.
電気代を減らす方法を考えています。
Translation hint: I'm thinking about ways to reduce the electricity bill.
仕事の量を減らしたいです。
Translation hint: I want to reduce my workload.
As you can see from these examples, 減らす is used in a wide range of situations where you are actively making something less or smaller. It's a fundamental word for expressing reduction and control over quantities, efforts, and more.
§ Understanding 減らす (herasu)
The Japanese verb 減らす (herasu) means 'to decrease' or 'to lessen'. It's a transitive verb, which means it always takes a direct object. Think of it as 'to reduce something'. You'll often see it used in contexts where you're talking about making something smaller in quantity, amount, or even weight.
Let's break down its usage with some common grammatical patterns.
§ Basic Sentence Structure: Noun を 減らす (noun o herasu)
The most straightforward way to use 減らす is with the direct object particle を (o) and a noun. This structure indicates that you are decreasing or reducing that specific noun.
- Grammar Point
- Noun を 減らす (noun o herasu) - to reduce/decrease Noun
体重を減らすために、運動しています。
I am exercising to lose weight.
電気代を減らすには、どうすればいいですか？
What should I do to reduce my electricity bill?
仕事を減らして、家族との時間を増やしたいです。
I want to reduce my work and increase time with my family.
§ Using 減らす with Quantity Words
You can also specify the amount or degree by which something is reduced, though this is often implied by context or expressed using other adverbs. However, the basic structure with を remains key.
Commonly, you'll see it with specific quantities or general terms:
数を減らす (kazu o herasu): to reduce the number
量を減らす (ryō o herasu): to reduce the amount
お菓子の量を減らしています。
I am reducing the amount of snacks.
§ Combining 減らす with Te-form for Sequential Actions or Reasons
Like many Japanese verbs, 減らす can be used in its Te-form (減らして) to connect clauses, indicating a sequence of actions or a reason/means for a subsequent action.
残業を減らして、早く家に帰りたいです。
I want to reduce my overtime and go home early.
§ Common Phrases with 減らす
Here are some common collocations and phrases you might encounter:
ストレスを減らす (sutoresu o herasu): to reduce stress
費用を減らす (hiyō o herasu): to reduce costs/expenses
在庫を減らす (zaiko o herasu): to reduce inventory
数を減らす (kazu o herasu): to reduce the number (of something)
この方法はストレスを減らすのに役立ちます。
This method helps to reduce stress.
By focusing on the basic structure (Noun を 減らす), you'll be well on your way to using this versatile verb correctly!
How Formal Is It?
"費用を減らす必要があります。(Hiyō o herasu hitsuyō ga arimasu.) - We need to decrease expenses."
"残業時間を減らしてください。(Zangyō jikan o herashite kudasai.) - Please lessen the overtime hours."
"お菓子減らそうかな。(Okashi herasō kana.) - Maybe I'll cut down on sweets."
"おもちゃをへらしてお片付けしようね。(Omocha o herashite okatazuke shiyō ne.) - Let's tidy up by putting away some toys."
"マジで金減らす。(Maji de kane herasu.) - Seriously losing money."
수준별 예문
私たちはコストを減らすために新しい戦略を導入しました。
We introduced a new strategy to decrease costs.
運動はストレスを減らすのに役立ちます。
Exercise helps to lessen stress.
政府は二酸化炭素排出量を減らすための措置を講じています。
The government is taking measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
医者は彼に塩分摂取量を減らすように忠告しました。
The doctor advised him to decrease his salt intake.
生産性を上げるために、無駄な作業を減らす必要があります。
To increase productivity, we need to reduce unnecessary work.
彼女は体重を減らすために厳しいダイエットをしています。
She is on a strict diet to lose weight.
このソフトウェアはデータ入力の時間を大幅に減らすことができます。
This software can significantly reduce data entry time.
食品廃棄を減らすことは、持続可能な社会を作るために重要です。
Reducing food waste is important for creating a sustainable society.
食品廃棄を減らすために、私たちは計画的に買い物をするべきです。
To decrease food waste, we should shop systematically.
〜ために (tame ni): in order to; for the purpose of
残業時間を減らすことで、従業員のワークライフバランスが改善されるでしょう。
By decreasing overtime hours, employees' work-life balance will likely improve.
〜ことで (koto de): by doing X; through X
ストレスを減らす効果的な方法をいくつか試しています。
I'm trying several effective methods to decrease stress.
〜てみる (te miru): to try doing X
政府は公共料金を減らす政策を打ち出しました。
The government has introduced policies to decrease public utility charges.
〜を打ち出す (o uchidasu): to launch; to introduce (a policy/plan)
二酸化炭素の排出量を減らすことが、地球温暖化対策の急務です。
Decreasing carbon dioxide emissions is an urgent task for global warming countermeasures.
〜こと (koto): nominalizer; turns a verb phrase into a noun phrase
無駄な出費を減らすためには、家計簿をつけるのが有効です。
To decrease unnecessary expenses, keeping a household budget is effective.
〜ためには (tame ni wa): in order to; for the purpose of
騒音公害を減らすべく、私たちは住民と協力しています。
In order to decrease noise pollution, we are cooperating with residents.
〜べく (beku): in order to; for the purpose of (formal)
リスクを減らすための最善策を慎重に検討する必要があります。
We need to carefully consider the best measures to decrease risk.
〜必要がある (hituyou ga aru): it is necessary to
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
砂糖の量を減らしてください。
Please reduce the amount of sugar.
会議の時間を減らしましょう。
Let's reduce the meeting time.
彼は体重を減らすために運動している。
He is exercising to lose weight.
私は残業を減らしたい。
I want to reduce my overtime work.
もっとコストを減らす方法を考えよう。
Let's think of a way to reduce costs more.
ストレスを減らすために何かしていますか？
Are you doing anything to reduce stress?
音量を減らしてください。
Please turn down the volume.
車の速度を減らしてください。
Please reduce the car's speed.
ゴミを減らす努力をしています。
I am making an effort to reduce garbage.
彼の仕事の負担を減らしたい。
I want to reduce his work burden.
암기하기
기억법
Imagine a chef *herasu* (hares-hoo) a recipe by *decreasing* the amount of spices. He's *lessening* the heat!
시각적 연상
Picture a graph with a downward trend, representing something *decreasing*. At the bottom of the graph, imagine a small 'へ' (he) character from hiragana, like a little hill going down, and then 'らす' (rasu) sounding like 'loss' to signify a *lessening* or *decrease*.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to use '減らす' in a sentence about something you want to decrease in your daily life. For example: 「私はスマホを見る時間を減らしたいです。」(Watashi wa sumaho o miru jikan o herashitai desu.) - I want to decrease the time I spend looking at my smartphone.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Reducing expenses
- コストを減らす (kosuto o herasu) - to reduce costs
- 出費を減らす (shuppi o herasu) - to reduce expenses
- 無駄を減らす (muda o herasu) - to reduce waste
Reducing an amount or quantity
- 量を減らす (ryō o herasu) - to reduce the amount
- 数を減らす (kazu o herasu) - to reduce the number
- 在庫を減らす (zaiko o herasu) - to reduce inventory
Reducing workload or burden
- 仕事を減らす (shigoto o herasu) - to reduce work
- 負担を減らす (futan o herasu) - to reduce the burden
- ストレスを減らす (sutoresu o herasu) - to reduce stress
Reducing consumption or intake
- 食べる量を減らす (taberu ryō o herasu) - to reduce the amount of food eaten
- お酒を減らす (osake o herasu) - to reduce alcohol intake
- 砂糖を減らす (satō o herasu) - to reduce sugar
Reducing speed or pace
- スピードを減らす (supīdo o herasu) - to reduce speed
- ペースを減らす (pēsu o herasu) - to reduce one's pace
- 速さを減らす (hayasa o herasu) - to reduce the speed
대화 시작하기
"最近、何か減らしたいものがありますか？ (Saikin, nani ka herashitai mono ga arimasu ka?) - Is there anything you'd like to reduce lately?"
"ストレスを減らすために、何をしていますか？ (Sutoresu o herasu tame ni, nani o shite imasu ka?) - What do you do to reduce stress?"
"健康のために、どんな食料を減らしていますか？ (Kenkō no tame ni, donna shokuryō o herashite imasu ka?) - What kind of food are you reducing for your health?"
"仕事の量を減らすことは可能だと思いますか？ (Shigoto no ryō o herasu koto wa kanō da to omoimasu ka?) - Do you think it's possible to reduce your workload?"
"電力消費を減らすために、何か工夫していますか？ (Denryoku shōhi o herasu tame ni, nani ka kufū shite imasu ka?) - Are you doing anything to reduce electricity consumption?"
일기 주제
最近、あなたが意識的に減らしていることは何ですか？なぜそれを減らしたいのですか？ (Saikin, anata ga ishiki-teki ni herashite iru koto wa nan desu ka? Naze sore o herashitai no desu ka?) - What have you been consciously reducing lately? Why do you want to reduce it?
自分の生活の中で、もっと減らすべきだと思うものは何ですか？それを減らすことで、どんな良い変化があると思いますか？ (Jibun no seikatsu no naka de, motto herasu beki da to omou mono wa nan desu ka? Sore o herasu koto de, donna yoi henka ga aru to omoimasu ka?) - What do you think you should reduce more in your life? What good changes do you think will come from reducing it?
もし時間やお金を減らすことができるとしたら、何を減らしますか？ (Moshi jikan ya okane o herasu koto ga dekiru to shitara, nani o herashimasu ka?) - If you could reduce time or money, what would you reduce?
将来のために、今から何を減らすべきだと思いますか？それはあなたの目標達成にどう役立ちますか？ (Shōrai no tame ni, ima kara nani o herasu beki da to omoimasu ka? Sore wa anata no mokuhyō tassei ni dō yakudachimasu ka?) - What do you think you should start reducing now for the future? How will it help you achieve your goals?
ストレスの原因を減らすために、今日からできる小さな一歩は何ですか？ (Sutoresu no gen'in o herasu tame ni, kyō kara dekiru chiisana ippo wa nan desu ka?) - What small step can you take starting today to reduce the source of your stress?
셀프 테스트 72 질문
食べすぎは体を___。
To make sense, the sentence needs a verb that means 'to decrease' or 'to lessen' the body. Therefore, 減らします (herashimasu) is the correct option.
塩分を___方が健康に良いです。
The sentence suggests that 'decreasing' salt intake is good for health. So, 減らした (herashita) is the correct choice.
電気の無駄遣いを___。
To avoid wasting electricity, you should 'decrease' it. 減らしましょう (herashimashō) means 'let's decrease'.
お酒の量を___つもりです。
The speaker intends to 'decrease' the amount of alcohol. 減らす (herasu) fits the context.
支出を___ため、節約します。
To save money, one would 'decrease' expenses. 減らす (herasu) is the appropriate verb here.
荷物を少し___ください。
The request is to 'decrease' the amount of luggage. 減らして (herashite) is the correct form.
Choose the correct kanji for 'herasu' (to decrease).
「減らす」is the correct kanji for 'to decrease' or 'to lessen.' 「増やす」means 'to increase,' 「始める」means 'to start,' and 「終わる」means 'to finish.'
Which sentence correctly uses '減らす'?
「私は水を減らします。」means 'I decrease the water.' This sentence correctly uses '減らす' to indicate reducing something. The other options mean 'I increase the water,' 'I drink water,' and 'I buy water' respectively.
What is the opposite of '減らす'?
The opposite of 'to decrease' (減らす) is 'to increase' (増やす).
「減らす」means 'to make something bigger.'
No, 「減らす」means 'to make something smaller' or 'to decrease' it. The word for 'to make something bigger' is 「増やす」 (fuyasu).
You can use 「減らす」when talking about reducing the amount of sugar in your coffee.
Yes, 「減らす」is perfect for situations where you want to lessen the quantity of something, like sugar in coffee.
「減らす」is typically used for actions that make something 'more'.
No, 「減らす」is used for actions that make something 'less' or 'fewer'. For 'more,' you would use a word like 「増やす」 (fuyasu).
You want to say you will reduce the amount of sugar. How would you write this in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
砂糖を減らします。
Your friend is eating too much. You want to tell them to eat less. How would you write this in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
食べる量を減らしてください。
You are on a diet and want to say you are reducing your weight. How would you write this in Japanese?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
体重を減らしています。
What is the speaker reducing?
Read this passage:
私は毎日、水をたくさん飲みます。しかし、お酒は少し減らします。
What is the speaker reducing?
The passage says 'お酒は少し減らします' which means 'I will reduce alcohol a little'.
The passage says 'お酒は少し減らします' which means 'I will reduce alcohol a little'.
What does the speaker want to decrease?
Read this passage:
この部屋は少し寒いので、エアコンの設定を減らしてください。
What does the speaker want to decrease?
The passage states 'エアコンの設定を減らしてください' meaning 'Please decrease the air conditioner setting'.
The passage states 'エアコンの設定を減らしてください' meaning 'Please decrease the air conditioner setting'.
What is the speaker reducing?
Read this passage:
私は仕事が忙しいので、睡眠時間を減らしています。
What is the speaker reducing?
The passage says '睡眠時間を減らしています' which translates to 'I am reducing my sleep time'.
The passage says '睡眠時間を減らしています' which translates to 'I am reducing my sleep time'.
'I' (私は) comes first, then 'trash' (ゴミを), and finally 'decrease' (減らします). This is a basic Japanese sentence structure.
To say 'decrease the amount of food you eat,' we put 'eat' (食べる) before 'amount' (量を), followed by 'decrease' (減らす).
This means 'decrease the amount of water used.' 'Water' (水を), 'use' (使う), 'amount' (量を), 'decrease' (減らす) follow a logical order.
This sentence means 'Let's recycle to reduce trash.' The particles and verb endings fit together to form a common phrase about reducing waste through recycling.
This sentence means 'If I can reduce my workload, I can go home earlier.' The conditional form 'できれば' (if I can do) is key here, followed by the outcome.
This sentence means 'He started exercising to reduce stress.' '〜ために' indicates the purpose of an action.
この新しいシステムを導入することで、コストを大幅に___ことができます。 (kono atarashii shisutemu o dounyuu suru koto de, kosuto o oohaba ni ___ koto ga dekimasu.)
文脈から、コストを「減らす」のが適切です。他の選択肢は文脈に合いません。
健康のために、甘い物の摂取量を少しずつ___ようにしています。 (kenkou no tame ni, amai mono no sesshuryou o sukoshi zutsu ___ you ni shite imasu.)
健康のために甘い物の摂取量を「減らす」のが自然な表現です。
渋滞を___ために、別のルートを探しましょう。 (juutai o ___ tame ni, betsu no ruuto o sagashimashou.)
渋滞を「減らす」ために別のルートを探す、という文脈が適切です。
ストレスを___には、適度な運動が効果的だと言われています。 (sutoresu o ___ ni wa, tekido na undou ga koukateki da to iwarete imasu.)
ストレスを「減らす」ために運動する、という文脈が自然です。
生産性を上げるために、無駄な作業時間を___必要があります。 (seisansei o ageru tame ni, muda na sagyou jikan o ___ hitsuyou ga arimasu.)
生産性を上げるには無駄な作業時間を「減らす」ことが必要です。
電気代を___ために、エアコンの設定温度を見直しました。 (denkidai o ___ tame ni, eakon no settei ondo o minao shimashita.)
電気代を「減らす」ために設定温度を見直す、という文脈が適切です。
This sentence means 'The company is trying to reduce overtime hours.' '会社が' (the company) is the subject, followed by '残業時間を' (overtime hours) as the object, then '減らす' (to reduce) as the verb. 'ように努力しています' means 'is trying to do'.
This sentence means 'I started exercising to reduce stress.' 'ストレスを' (stress) is the object, followed by '減らす' (to reduce). 'ために' means 'in order to'. '運動を' (exercise) is the object of '始めました' (started).
This sentence means 'Reducing food waste leads to environmental protection.' '食品ロスを' (food waste) is the object, followed by '減らす' (to reduce). 'ことが' turns the verb phrase into a noun phrase. '環境保護に' (to environmental protection) is the indirect object of 'つながります' (leads to).
人口を___ことは、将来の社会にとって重要な課題です。
人口の増加が問題視されている文脈なので、「減らす」が適切です。
経費を___ために、無駄な出費を見直す必要があります。
「無駄な出費を見直す」という文脈から、経費を「減らす」が自然です。
ストレスを___方法として、瞑想が注目されています。
ストレスは一般的に「減らす」対象なので、この選択肢が適切です。
環境負荷を___ため、リサイクル活動が推奨されています。
環境負荷は「減らす」べきものなので、「減らす」が適切です。
事故のリスクを___には、安全対策の徹底が不可欠です。
事故のリスクは「減らす」べきものであり、安全対策はそのための方策なので、「減らす」が適切です。
砂糖の摂取量を___ことで、健康的な食生活を送ることができます。
健康的な食生活を送るためには、砂糖の摂取量を「減らす」ことが一般的に推奨されます。
企業はコストを___ために、新しい戦略を導入しました。
文脈から、企業がコストを下げるために新しい戦略を導入したと読み取れます。「減らす」が最も適切です。'増やす' (to increase), '維持する' (to maintain), '変更する' (to change) は文意に合いません。
この薬は痛みを___効果があります。
薬の目的として、痛みを和らげる、つまり「減らす」が最も自然です。'高める' (to heighten), '引き起こす' (to cause), '無視する' (to ignore) は文意に合いません。
二酸化炭素の排出量を___ことは、地球温暖化対策において非常に重要です。
地球温暖化対策の文脈では、二酸化炭素の排出量を「減らす」ことが必要です。'拡大する' (to expand), '分析する' (to analyze), '促進する' (to promote) は文意に合いません。
消費税を減らすことは、一般的に消費者の購買意欲を向上させると考えられている。
消費税を減らすことで、商品やサービスの価格が実質的に下がるため、消費者がより多く購入しようとする動機付けとなり、購買意欲は向上すると考えられます。
新しい技術の導入は、必ずしも人件費を減らす結果には繋がらない。
新しい技術を導入する目的の一つに人件費削減がありますが、必ずしもその結果に繋がるとは限りません。導入コストやメンテナンス費用がかさむ場合や、新たなスキルを持つ人材が必要になる場合もあります。
運動量を減らすことは、健康的な体重を維持する上で効果的な方法である。
健康的な体重を維持するためには、適切な運動量を保つことが重要です。運動量を減らすことは、消費カロリーの減少に繋がり、体重増加のリスクを高める可能性があります。
What can we do to reduce emissions?
Let's think about ways to reduce stress.
Reducing waste leads to environmental protection.
Read this aloud:
残業時間を減らすよう、会社に交渉したいです。
Focus: 残業時間を減らす
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
政府はCO2排出量を減らすための新しい政策を発表しました。
Focus: 排出量を減らすための
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
日常生活でプラスチックの使用を減らす努力をしています。
Focus: 使用を減らす努力
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
会社の経費を効果的に減らすためには、どのような戦略が考えられますか？
「減らす」は『削減する』や『なくす』といった意味合いで使われます。会社の経費を減らすには、コストを削減する行動が適切です。
環境負荷を減らすために、私たちは日常生活で何ができますか？
環境負荷を減らす、つまり環境への悪い影響を少なくするには、リサイクルや節水などのエコフレンドリーな行動が重要です。
ストレスを減らすための有効な方法は何だと思いますか？
ストレスを減らす、つまりストレスを軽減するには、心身をリフレッシュする時間が必要です。
人口を減らすための政策として、出生率を上げることは有効である。
「減らす」は『少なくする』という意味なので、人口を減らすためには出生率を上げるのではなく、出生率を下げたり、死亡率を上げたりする政策が考えられます。一般的には人口減少は社会問題として捉えられます。
体重を減らすためには、食事の量を増やし、運動を避けるべきである。
体重を減らす、つまり体重を落とすためには、食事量を適切に管理し、運動量を増やすことが一般的です。これは常識的な健康知識と異なります。
犯罪率を減らすには、地域住民が連携し、防犯意識を高めることが効果的である。
犯罪率を減らす、つまり犯罪の発生件数を少なくするには、地域全体での協力が非常に効果的です。これは社会学的な知見とも一致します。
This sentence means 'It is necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.' The particles 'の' and 'を' mark the possessive and direct object respectively. '減らす必要があります' means 'it is necessary to reduce'.
This translates to 'You should reduce stress for your health.' '健康のために' sets the purpose, 'ストレスを減らす' is the action, and 'べきだ' indicates a recommendation or duty.
This sentence means 'The rapid aging of the population is a challenge that reduces the labor force shortage.' '人口の急速な高齢化' is the subject, '労働力不足を減らす' describes the challenge.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
관련 콘텐츠
관련 표현
general 관련 단어
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
