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節約する

B1 verb #4,000 most common 9 min read

節約する

setsuyaku suru Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 節約する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 節約する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '節約する' (setsuyaku suru) as a way to say 'save' when you are talking about not wasting things. Even though you are just starting, you can use this word in simple sentences like 'I save money' (お金を節約します) or 'I save water' (水を節約します). Japanese culture values not wasting things, so this is a very useful word to know early on. You might hear it when people talk about turning off lights to save electricity. It is a 'suru' verb, so you just add 'suru' to the noun 'setsuyaku'. It's important to remember that this 'save' is about using less, not about putting money into a bank account. For a beginner, focus on using it with basic nouns like money, water, and electricity. If you want to say 'Let's save!', you can say '節約しましょう!' (Setsuyaku shimashou!). This is a great way to participate in household chores or environmental efforts in Japan. Practice saying the word clearly: set-su-ya-ku. The 'setsu' sounds like the 'set' in 'setting', and 'yaku' sounds like 'yacht' but with a 'ku' at the end. Even at this level, using this word shows that you understand an important part of Japanese daily life and values.

At the A2 level, you should begin to use '節約する' (setsuyaku suru) to describe your daily habits and reasons for saving. You can start connecting it with other simple grammar patterns, such as 'ために' (tame ni) to explain *why* you are saving. For example, '旅行に行くために、お金を節約しています' (I am saving money in order to go on a trip). You will also notice it being used in the 'te-iru' form (節約しています) to show that you are currently in the habit of being frugal. At this level, you can also understand common compound words like '節約生活' (setsuyaku seikatsu - a frugal life). You should be able to distinguish between 'setsuyaku suru' (using less) and 'chokin suru' (banking money). For instance, if you cook at home instead of eating out, you are 'setsuyaku'-ing your food expenses. If you then put the money you didn't spend into a box, you are 'chokin'-ing. Being able to explain these small details of your life will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise. You might also encounter this word in simple advertisements or signs in Japan, such as '水の節約にご協力ください' (Please cooperate in saving water), which is a common sight in public restrooms.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use '節約する' (setsuyaku suru) in more complex contexts, such as discussing environmental issues, business efficiency, or personal financial planning. You should be comfortable using the potential form '節約できる' (can save) and the passive or causative forms if necessary. For example, you might say 'この新しいシステムを使えば、時間を大幅に節約できるはずです' (If we use this new system, we should be able to save a significant amount of time). You will also begin to encounter synonyms like '倹約' (kenyaku) and understand that 'setsuyaku' is the more versatile, everyday term. At this level, you can participate in conversations about the cost of living and share specific 'setsuyaku-jutsu' (saving techniques). You should also be aware of the noun form '節約' and how it functions in formal settings, such as '節約の呼びかけ' (a call for saving). Your understanding of the word should extend to abstract resources like 'effort' (手間 - tema) or 'space' (スペース). For instance, '電子書籍はスペースの節約になる' (E-books result in a saving of space). This demonstrates a more nuanced grasp of how the concept of economy applies to various aspects of modern life beyond just physical coins and bills.

At the B2 level, your usage of '節約する' (setsuyaku suru) should reflect a sophisticated understanding of its social and economic implications. You should be able to discuss 'setsuyaku' as a cultural phenomenon in Japan, perhaps linking it to the 'Lost Decades' or the 'Mottainai' philosophy. You can use the word in formal debates or written essays to argue for resource conservation or fiscal responsibility. For example, '政府は財政を再建するために、不要な支出を徹底的に節約すべきだ' (The government should thoroughly cut unnecessary spending to rebuild the national finances). You will also recognize more literary or specific alternatives like '切り詰める' (to slash/cramp) or '割愛する' (to omit/spare). You should be able to handle the word in various registers, from casual talk about 'setsuyaku recipes' to formal business presentations about 'overhead reduction'. Furthermore, you should be able to use the noun '節約' as a prefix or suffix in complex compounds like '節約志向' (savings-oriented mindset) or '資源節約型' (resource-saving type). At this stage, you should also be sensitive to the nuance that 'setsuyaku' is generally a positive or neutral term, and you can contrast it with 'kechi' (stinginess) to describe different types of financial behavior accurately.

At the C1 level, you are mastering the subtle nuances and advanced collocations of '節約する' (setsuyaku suru). You can use it fluently in academic or professional discussions regarding sustainability, macroeconomics, or corporate strategy. You understand how the word interacts with complex grammatical structures and can use it to express delicate shades of meaning. For instance, you might analyze how '節約' differs from '効率化' (efficiency improvement) in a corporate context, noting that while 'setsuyaku' focuses on reducing input, 'kouritsuka' focuses on maximizing output relative to input. You can also interpret and use idiomatic expressions or rare kanji compounds related to frugality, such as '勤倹尚武' (frugality and military spirit - a historical term). In your writing, you can employ 'setsuyaku' to discuss the psychological aspects of consumer behavior, such as the 'setsuyaku-zukare' (savings fatigue) that can occur during long periods of economic stagnation. Your ability to use the word is not just about the action of saving, but about the broader philosophy of resource management in a globalized world. You can also navigate the nuances between 'setsuyaku' and 'shou-ene' (energy saving) in technical discourse, choosing the term that best fits the specific scientific or regulatory context.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '節約する' (setsuyaku suru) and its place within the Japanese linguistic and cultural tapestry. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from high-level political discourse to classical literary analysis. You are capable of discussing the historical evolution of the concept of 'setsuyaku' from the Edo period's sumptuary laws to modern-day environmentalism. You can effortlessly switch between the verb and noun forms, utilizing them in complex rhetorical structures to persuade or inform. For example, you might write a critique of 'setsuyaku' as a potential driver of a deflationary spiral, using sophisticated economic terminology. You are also aware of how 'setsuyaku' is portrayed in Japanese literature and film, reflecting the virtues and struggles of the populace. Your vocabulary includes all related synonyms, antonyms, and obscure derivatives, and you can explain the etymological roots of the kanji '節' and '約' and how their meanings have converged over centuries. At this level, '節約する' is not just a verb you use; it is a concept you can deconstruct and reassemble to suit any communicative purpose, demonstrating a profound understanding of the Japanese worldview regarding the finite nature of resources and the ethical imperative of their stewardship.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

節約する in 30 Seconds

Setsuyaku suru means to save or economize by reducing consumption of money, time, or resources like electricity and water to prevent waste.
It is a Suru-verb used with the particle 'wo'. It differs from 'chokin suru', which specifically means to deposit money in a bank.
Being good at setsuyaku is seen as a positive, responsible trait in Japan, often linked to the environmental and cultural concept of 'Mottainai'.
Common contexts include household budgeting, energy-saving initiatives (setsuden), and business cost-cutting measures to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.

The Japanese verb 節約する (setsuyaku suru) is a cornerstone of daily life in Japan, reflecting a deep-seated cultural value of mindfulness toward resources. At its core, it means to save, to economize, or to cut back on expenses. While the English word 'save' can refer to putting money aside in a bank (which is 貯金する - chokin suru), 節約する specifically refers to the act of reducing consumption or preventing waste. It is a compound verb consisting of the noun 節約 (setsuyaku) and the helper verb する (suru). The first kanji, 節 (setsu), represents a joint or a node, like that of a bamboo stalk, which implies a limit or a boundary. The second kanji, 約 (yaku), carries the meaning of shortening, promise, or condensation. Together, they form the concept of restricting usage to stay within a boundary.

Financial Context: In financial terms, this word is used when you are trying to lower your monthly bills, such as electricity (電気代 - denkidai) or food expenses (食費 - shokuhi). It conveys a proactive effort to be frugal.
Resource Management: Beyond money, it applies to time (時間 - jikan), energy (エネルギー), and natural resources like water (水 - mizu). If you take a shorter shower to help the environment, you are 節約ing water.
Societal Nuance: In Japan, being good at 節約 is often seen as a virtue and a sign of maturity and responsibility. It is closely linked to the concept of 'Mottainai' (too wasteful to throw away).

将来のために、今から生活費を節約することにしました。
(I have decided to save on living expenses from now on for the sake of the future.)

You will encounter this word in a variety of settings. On television, '節約術' (setsuyaku-jutsu, or saving techniques) is a popular topic for variety shows where experts share tips on how to cook meals for under 100 yen or how to reduce electricity usage during the hot summer months. In a business context, a company might implement a '節約' policy to cut down on unnecessary overhead or office supplies. It is a neutral-to-formal word, making it safe for use with colleagues, bosses, and friends alike. Unlike 'ケチ' (kechi), which means stingy or cheap in a negative way, 節約 carries a positive or at least practical connotation of being wise with one's resources.

電気をこまめに消して、エネルギーを節約しましょう。
(Let's turn off the lights frequently and save energy.)

水は大切です。無駄遣いをやめて、もっと節約するべきです。
(Water is precious. We should stop wasting it and save more.)

Common Collocations: 1. お金を節約する (Save money)
2. 時間を節約する (Save time)
3. 資源を節約する (Save resources)

新しい車を買うために、外食を控えて節約しています。
(In order to buy a new car, I am cutting back on eating out and saving.)

このアプリを使うと、買い物の時間を大幅に節約できます。
(Using this app allows you to significantly save time on shopping.)

Using 節約する correctly involves understanding the particles and the specific objects it takes. Most commonly, it acts as a transitive verb taking the particle を (wo). You specify what you are saving (money, time, resources) followed by を and then 節約する. For example, 'お金を節約する' (To save money). However, it can also be used intransitively in some contexts to describe a general lifestyle of frugality. Let's break down the grammatical patterns and common scenarios for this verb.

Pattern 1: [Object] を節約する: This is the most standard usage. The object is usually a resource that is being consumed.
Example: 資源を節約する (Save resources).
Pattern 2: [Method] で節約する: You can use the particle 'で' to indicate the means by which you are saving.
Example: 自炊することで食費を節約する (Save on food costs by cooking for oneself).

最近は物価が高いので、いろいろな工夫をして節約しています。
(Since prices are high lately, I am using various tricks to save.)

When discussing goals, 節約する is often paired with purpose clauses using ために (tame ni). '留学するために、お金を節約しています' (I am saving money in order to study abroad). It is also frequently found in the 〜ている (te-iru) form to indicate an ongoing habit or state of living frugally. Because it is a Suru-verb, it follows all standard Suru-verb conjugations: 節約しない (negative), 節約した (past), 節約できる (potential), and 節約しましょう (volitional).

無駄な会議を減らせば、もっと時間を節約できるはずだ。
(If we reduce useless meetings, we should be able to save more time.)

彼は非常に節約家として知られています。
(He is known as a very frugal person / an economizer.)

Common Objects: - 生活費 (Living expenses)
- 光熱費 (Utility costs)
- 紙 (Paper)
- スペース (Space)

この新しいエンジンは、燃料を節約するように設計されている。
(This new engine is designed to save fuel.)

コピーするときは、紙を節約するために両面印刷にしてください。
(When copying, please use double-sided printing to save paper.)

You will hear 節約する in almost every corner of Japanese society, from the domestic kitchen to the corporate boardroom. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a way of life that is frequently discussed in media and daily conversations. Understanding the environments where this word thrives will help you grasp its importance.

In the Household: Families often discuss '節約' when planning their monthly budget. Parents might tell children to '節約しなさい' (economize!) when they leave the lights on. It is a central theme in many Japanese 'lifestyle' magazines that offer '100-yen recipes' or 'energy-saving tips.'
In the Media: During the news, especially when inflation is rising, you will hear reporters talk about how households are '節約志向' (setsuyaku shikou - savings-oriented). During the summer heatwaves, the government often issues requests for '節電' (setsuden - saving electricity), which is a specific form of 節約.

テレビの節約番組を見て、新しいレシピを覚えました。
(I watched a TV program about saving and learned a new recipe.)

In business, 節約 is used when discussing 'cost cutting.' Managers might speak about '経費を節約する' (saving on expenses) to improve the company's bottom line. In this context, it is professional and serious. You might also see it in advertisements for energy-efficient appliances, which promise to '電気代を節約する.' This marketing angle is very effective in Japan, where utility costs can be high.

会社全体で紙の節約に取り組んでいます。
(The whole company is working on saving paper.)

SNSで話題の節約術を試してみたら、効果がありました。
(I tried the saving technique popular on social media, and it worked.)

Environmental Context: Ecological campaigns use this word constantly. '資源を節約して、地球を守ろう' (Let's save resources and protect the Earth) is a common slogan in schools and public service announcements.

レジ袋が有料になったので、ビニール袋を節約する人が増えました。
(Since plastic bags became paid, more people are saving on plastic bags.)

今回の旅行は節約して、安い宿に泊まりましょう。
(Let's save on this trip and stay at a cheap inn.)

While 節約する is a relatively straightforward verb, learners often trip up on its specific nuances and how it differs from other 'saving' related words. The most common pitfall is using it interchangeably with words that describe 'storing' or 'depositing' money. Let's clarify these distinctions to ensure you sound natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 貯金する (Chokin suru): English speakers often use 'save' for both reducing spending and putting money in the bank. In Japanese, these are distinct.
Incorrect: 銀行に10万円を節約した (I saved 100,000 yen in the bank).
Correct: 銀行に10万円を貯金した.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 保存する (Hozon suru): 'Save' in the context of computer files is '保存する' or 'セーブする'.
Incorrect: ファイルを節約する (I economized the file).
Correct: ファイルを保存する.

× 銀行にお金を節約する。
○ 銀行にお金を貯金する。
(You don't 'setsuyaku' into a bank; you 'chokin'.)

Another mistake involves the intensity of the word. 節約する is a positive, proactive word. If you use it to describe someone who is being excessively stingy to the point of being rude or making others uncomfortable, it might sound too polite. In that case, the word 'ケチ' (kechi) is more appropriate, though it is an insult. Furthermore, avoid using 節約する for 'saving a life' (助ける - tasukeru) or 'saving a goal' in sports (守る - mamoru). These are completely different concepts in Japanese.

× 医者が患者の命を節約した。
○ 医者が患者の命を救った (sukutta).
(Doctors 'save' (rescue) lives, they don't 'economize' them.)

× ゲームのデータを節約する。
○ ゲームのデータをセーブする。
(Use 'save/se-bu' for digital data, not 'setsuyaku'.)

Mistake 3: Overuse of 'する': While 節約する is common, in very formal writing or news headlines, the 'する' is often dropped, and it is used as a noun '節約'. Forgetting this can make your writing feel a bit repetitive or too conversational.

政府はエネルギーの節約を呼びかけている。
(The government is calling for the saving of energy. Note: 節約 is the noun here.)

× 時間を貯金することはできない。
○ 時間を節約することはできる。
(You can't 'bank' time, but you can 'economize' it.)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 節約する, each with its own specific register and nuance. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about personal habits, environmental issues, or formal economic policy. Below are the most important alternatives and how they compare.

倹約する (Kenyaku suru): This is very similar to 節約する but has a slightly more old-fashioned or formal feel. It specifically refers to being thrifty and avoiding luxury. While 節約 can apply to water or electricity, 倹約 is almost always about money and lifestyle. It is often used to describe a person's character (倹約家 - kenyakuka).
省く (Habuku): This means to omit, eliminate, or skip. It is used when you save time or effort by cutting out a step. For example, '手間を省く' (save the trouble). It focuses on the removal of a process rather than the reduction of a resource.
切り詰める (Kiritsumeru): This literally means 'to cut and pack down.' It is used when someone is in a difficult financial situation and must drastically reduce their expenses to survive. It sounds more intense and desperate than the proactive 節約.

生活費を切り詰めて、借金を返しました。
(I slashed my living expenses and paid back the debt.)

In specific contexts, you will see compound words starting with '省' (shou), which means to conserve. '省エネ' (shou-ene) is short for '省エネルギー' (saving energy). '省力化' (shouryokuka) refers to labor-saving. These are technical terms often found on product labels or in corporate reports. Another related term is 'エコ' (eko), which is used loosely for any behavior that is 'eco-friendly' or resource-saving.

このエアコンは省エネモデルです。
(This air conditioner is an energy-saving model.)

手間を省くために、全自動の洗濯機を買いました。
(I bought a fully automatic washing machine to save effort/trouble.)

Summary Table: - 節約: General, positive (Save money/water/time)
- 倹約: Personal habit, formal (Frugality)
- 切り詰める: Drastic reduction (Slashed expenses)
- 省エネ: Technical (Energy conservation)

江戸時代の商人は倹約を重んじていました。
(Merchants in the Edo period valued frugality.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '節' (setsu) is also used in 'season' (kisetsu) and 'festival' (matsuri/setsu), all relating to specific 'nodes' or 'joints' in time. In 'setsuyaku', it emphasizes the 'limit' aspect.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /se.tsɯ.ja.kɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

US /se.tsu.jɑ.ku.su.ru/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'setsuyaku', the pitch is typically Low-High-High-High. The 'suru' follows with a neutral or slightly lower pitch depending on the sentence position.

Rhymes With

Kenyaku (倹約) Zenyaku (全訳) Hanyaku (反訳) Kyaku (客) Hyaku (百) Gyakusu (逆数) Yakusu (訳す) Kyakusu (客数)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'.
Elongating the 'u' sounds in 'suru' too much.
Putting heavy stress on one syllable like English.
Pronouncing 'ya' as 'jay'.
Misplacing the pitch accent, making it sound like a different word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require some practice to write correctly. They are standard N3/B1 level.

Writing 3/5

The first kanji (節) has many strokes (13), so it takes effort to memorize.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward as long as the 'tsu' sound is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts, making it easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

する (suru) お金 (okane) 電気 (denki) 水 (mizu) 時間 (jikan)

Learn Next

貯金する (chokin suru) 浪費する (rouhi suru) 生活費 (seikatsuhi) 無駄 (muda) 効率 (kouritsu)

Advanced

倹約 (kenyaku) 緊縮 (kinshuku) 割愛 (katsuai) 省エネ (shou-ene) 合理化 (gourika)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

節約する、節約した、節約しない、節約できる

〜ために (Purpose)

車を買うために節約する。

〜ている (Habitual)

毎日、節約しています。

〜ば (Conditional)

節約すれば、お金が貯まります。

〜ことができる (Potential)

時間を節約することができる。

Examples by Level

お金を節約します。

I save money.

Simple [Object] + を + [Verb] structure.

水を節約しましょう。

Let's save water.

Volitional form '〜ましょう' for making a suggestion.

電気を節約してください。

Please save electricity.

Request form '〜てください'.

私は毎日、節約します。

I save every day.

Adverb '毎日' (every day) modifying the verb.

紙を節約しますか？

Do you save paper?

Question form with 'か'.

母はいつも節約しています。

My mother is always saving.

Present continuous '〜ている' for a habit.

あまり節約しません。

I don't save very much.

Negative form '〜しません' with 'あまり' (not much).

みんなで節約しましょう！

Let's all save together!

Inclusive 'みんなで' (everyone together).

新しいスマホを買うために節約しています。

I am saving to buy a new smartphone.

Using '〜ために' to express purpose.

お弁当を作って、食費を節約します。

I will make a lunch box and save on food costs.

Te-form '〜て' to connect two actions.

電気代を節約するために、早く寝ます。

In order to save on electricity, I go to bed early.

Purpose clause with 'ために'.

このアプリは時間の節約になります。

This app results in a saving of time.

Noun '節約' + 'になる' (becomes/results in).

安いスーパーに行って節約しましょう。

Let's go to a cheap supermarket and save.

Te-form used for sequence of actions.

去年はあまり節約できませんでした。

I couldn't save much last year.

Potential negative past '〜できませんでした'.

節約するのは大変ですが、大切です。

Saving is hard, but it's important.

Nominalizing the verb with 'の'.

もっとエネルギーを節約するべきだと思います。

I think we should save more energy.

Expressing opinion with '〜べきだと思う'.

無駄な買い物をやめれば、もっと節約できるはずです。

If you stop making useless purchases, you should be able to save more.

Conditional '〜ば' and 'はず' (should/expected to).

生活費を節約する方法をインターネットで調べました。

I searched the internet for ways to save on living expenses.

Noun + 'する方法' (way to do...).

環境のために資源を節約することが求められています。

Saving resources for the environment is being required.

Passive form '〜られています' (is being required).

時間を節約するために、家事代行サービスを利用しました。

To save time, I used a housekeeping service.

Using 'ために' with a specific service usage.

彼は節約家なので、めったに外食をしません。

Since he is a frugal person, he rarely eats out.

Noun '節約家' (frugal person) and 'めったに〜ない' (rarely).

この車は燃費がいいので、ガソリン代が節約できます。

This car has good fuel economy, so you can save on gas costs.

Potential form '節約できる'.

小さな努力を積み重ねることが、大きな節約につながります。

Accumulating small efforts leads to big savings.

Verb phrase + 'ことが' nominalization.

無理な節約は健康に良くないかもしれません。

Unreasonable saving might not be good for your health.

Adjective '無理な' (unreasonable/impossible) modifying the noun.

インフレの影響で、多くの家庭が支出を節約せざるを得ない状況だ。

Due to the influence of inflation, many households are in a situation where they have no choice but to save on spending.

Grammar '〜せざるを得ない' (have no choice but to).

企業は競争力を高めるために、徹底的なコストの節約を追求している。

Companies are pursuing thorough cost savings to increase their competitiveness.

Adjective '徹底的な' (thorough/drastic).

資源を節約することは、持続可能な社会を実現するための鍵となります。

Saving resources is the key to realizing a sustainable society.

Compound phrase '持続可能な社会' (sustainable society).

彼女は節約術を駆使して、わずか3年でマンションの頭金を貯めた。

She made full use of saving techniques and saved the down payment for an apartment in just three years.

Verb '駆使する' (to make full use of).

単なるケチではなく、賢く節約することが現代の美徳とされている。

Smart saving, rather than just being stingy, is considered a modern virtue.

Structure 'AではなくB' (Not A but B).

水不足に備えて、自治体は市民に節約を呼びかけている。

In preparation for a water shortage, the local government is calling on citizens to save.

Pattern '〜に備えて' (in preparation for).

このソフトを導入すれば、作業工程が簡略化され、大幅な時間の節約が見込める。

If this software is introduced, work processes will be simplified, and a significant saving of time can be expected.

Passive '簡略化され' and '〜が見込める' (can be expected).

過度な節約は、かえって経済の停滞を招く恐れがあるという意見もある。

There is an opinion that excessive saving may instead lead to economic stagnation.

Grammar '〜恐れがある' (there is a fear/risk that).

デフレ脱却を目指す中、個人の過度な節約志向が内需拡大の足かせとなっている。

While aiming to escape deflation, the excessive savings-oriented mindset of individuals is acting as a drag on the expansion of domestic demand.

Complex noun phrase '過度な節約志向' (excessive savings orientation).

限られた予算内で最大の成果を出すには、資源の効率的な配分と節約が不可欠だ。

To achieve maximum results within a limited budget, efficient allocation and saving of resources are indispensable.

Adjective '不可欠' (indispensable/essential).

省エネ技術の向上により、産業界全体で劇的なエネルギーの節約が実現した。

Due to the improvement of energy-saving technology, dramatic energy savings have been realized throughout the entire industrial sector.

Structure '〜により' (due to/by means of).

彼は私生活において徹底した倹約家だが、慈善活動には一切の節約をしない。

In his private life, he is a thorough economizer, but he does not save at all when it comes to charitable activities.

Contrast using '〜が' (but) and '一切の〜ない' (not at all).

政府の緊縮財政政策は、公共サービスの質の低下を招くという批判もあり、節約の是非が問われている。

The government's austerity policy is being criticized for leading to a decline in the quality of public services, and the pros and cons of such saving are being questioned.

Noun '是非' (right or wrong/pros and cons).

クラウドコンピューティングの普及は、企業にとってサーバー維持費の節約に大きく貢献した。

The spread of cloud computing has contributed significantly to the saving of server maintenance costs for companies.

Verb '貢献した' (contributed).

日々の小さな節約が積み重なり、やがて大きな資本となって新たな投資を可能にする。

Daily small savings accumulate and eventually become large capital, making new investments possible.

Structure '〜となって' (becoming).

現代社会における「豊かさ」の定義が、消費から節約や共有へとシフトしつつある。

The definition of 'richness' in modern society is shifting from consumption to saving and sharing.

Grammar '〜つつある' (is in the process of).

江戸時代の質素倹約の精神は、現代日本人の美徳意識の根底に今なお息づいている。

The spirit of simplicity and frugality of the Edo period still lives on at the root of the sense of virtue of modern Japanese people.

Four-kanji compound '質素倹約' (simplicity and frugality).

資源枯渇が懸念される中、人類は消費至上主義を脱し、節約を基調とした循環型社会を構築せねばならない。

Amid concerns about resource depletion, humanity must break away from consumerism and construct a circular society based on saving.

Grammar '〜せねばならない' (must - archaic/formal).

その政策は一見すると節約に見えるが、長期的にはインフラの老朽化による莫大な損失を招く「安物買いの銭失い」となる可能性がある。

The policy looks like saving at first glance, but in the long run, it could result in 'penny wise and pound foolish' due to the huge losses caused by aging infrastructure.

Proverb '安物買いの銭失い' (buying cheap and losing money).

企業の社会的責任（CSR）の観点からも、エネルギー節約への取り組みは不可避の課題となっている。

From the perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), efforts toward energy saving have become an unavoidable challenge.

Noun phrase '〜の観点からも' (from the perspective of).

彼は言葉を節約することで、かえってその発言に重みを持たせるという独特の修辞法を用いている。

By economizing his words, he uses a unique rhetorical method that instead gives weight to his statements.

Abstract use of '節約' for speech/words.

マクロ経済学的な視点に立てば、過剰な節約は「合成の誤謬」を引き起こし、社会全体の所得を減少させかねない。

From a macroeconomic perspective, excessive saving can cause the 'fallacy of composition' and potentially reduce the income of society as a whole.

Economic term '合成の誤謬' (fallacy of composition).

伝統的な日本家屋の設計には、夏を涼しく過ごすための空間の節約と通風の工夫が凝らされている。

Traditional Japanese house designs are imbued with ingenious ways to save space and provide ventilation to spend the summer coolly.

Passive '工夫が凝らされている' (ingenuity is concentrated/elaborated).

真の節約とは、単に消費を抑えることではなく、物事の本質を見極め、真に必要なものに資源を集中させる知恵のことである。

True saving is not merely about suppressing consumption, but the wisdom of discerning the essence of things and concentrating resources on what is truly necessary.

Structure 'Aとは〜ことである' (A is...).

Common Collocations

お金を節約する

時間を節約する

電気を節約する

資源を節約する

生活費を節約する

食費を節約する

エネルギーを節約する

紙を節約する

コストを節約する

スペースを節約する

Common Phrases

節約術

— Saving techniques or tips. Commonly used in magazines and TV shows.

驚きの節約術を教えます。(I will teach you surprising saving techniques.)

節約生活

— A life of frugality. Living with a focus on saving money.

楽しい節約生活を送っています。(I am leading an enjoyable frugal life.)

節約家

— A frugal person; an economizer. Someone who is good at saving.

彼女は有名な節約家だ。(She is a famous frugal person.)

節約レシピ

— Saving recipes. Meals that are cheap to make.

給料日前は節約レシピが欠かせない。(Saving recipes are essential before payday.)

節約志向

— Savings-oriented mindset. A trend where people want to save.

消費者の節約志向が強まっている。(Consumers' saving orientation is strengthening.)

ちりも積もれば山となる

— Dust amassed becomes a mountain. Often used to encourage small savings.

毎日の節約が大事だ。ちりも積もれば山となるからね。(Daily saving is important. Because dust amassed becomes a mountain.)

無理のない節約

— Saving without overdoing it. Sustainable frugality.

無理のない節約を続けましょう。(Let's continue saving without overdoing it.)

節約モード

— Saving mode. Used when one decides to start being frugal.

今月はピンチだから節約モードだ。(I'm in a pinch this month, so I'm in saving mode.)

徹底的な節約

— Thorough or drastic saving. Cutting every possible expense.

会社は徹底的な節約を求めている。(The company is demanding thorough saving.)

節約のコツ

— The knack or trick to saving.

節約のコツは家計簿をつけることです。(The trick to saving is keeping a budget book.)

Often Confused With

節約する vs 貯金する (Chokin suru)

Setsuyaku is using less; Chokin is putting money in a bank. You setsuyaku so you can chokin.

節約する vs 保存する (Hozon suru)

Hozon is for saving/preserving food or digital files. Setsuyaku is for economizing resources.

節約する vs 救う (Sukuu)

Sukuu is for 'saving' a life or a person in trouble. Setsuyaku is only for resources/money.

Idioms & Expressions

"爪に火をともす"

— To live in extreme poverty or be excessively frugal. Literally, 'to light a fire on one's fingernails' (instead of using expensive oil).

彼は爪に火をともすような節約をして、家を建てた。(He saved extremely hard and built a house.)

Idiomatic / Old-fashioned

"安物買いの銭失い"

— Penny wise and pound foolish. Buying cheap things and losing money because they break quickly.

節約のつもりで安い靴を買ったが、すぐ壊れて安物買いの銭失いになった。(I bought cheap shoes to save, but they broke soon, and it was penny wise and pound foolish.)

Proverbial

"財布の紐を締める"

— To tighten the purse strings. To start spending less money.

不況なので、みんな財布の紐を締めている。(Because of the recession, everyone is tightening their purse strings.)

Common Idiom

"身を削る"

— To sacrifice oneself. Sometimes used when someone saves so much it affects their health.

身を削るような節約は長続きしない。(Saving that sacrifices your well-being won't last long.)

Metaphorical

"無駄を省く"

— To eliminate waste. The core philosophy behind saving.

まずは生活の中の無駄を省くことから始めよう。(Let's start by eliminating waste in our lives.)

Neutral

"一円を笑う者は一円に泣く"

— He who laughs at one yen will cry over one yen. Every little bit counts.

一円を笑う者は一円に泣くという。小銭も大切に節約しよう。(They say he who laughs at one yen will cry over it. Let's save small change carefully too.)

Proverbial

"清貧に甘んじる"

— To be content with honest poverty. A philosophical approach to frugality.

彼は清貧に甘んじて、節約を楽しんでいる。(He is content with simple living and enjoys saving.)

Literary

"出し惜しみする"

— To be stingy or hold back. Often has a slightly negative nuance.

情報を出し惜しみしないでください。(Please don't hold back information.)

Neutral

"手間暇をかける"

— To spend time and effort. The opposite of 'saving time/effort'.

節約のために、手間暇をかけて料理を作る。(I spend time and effort cooking to save money.)

Neutral

"骨身を惜しまず"

— Without sparing oneself. Working hard without trying to 'save' effort.

彼は骨身を惜しまず働いて節約した。(He worked tirelessly and saved.)

Formal

Easily Confused

節約する vs 倹約 (Kenyaku)

Both mean saving/economizing.

Kenyaku is more formal and refers to a personal lifestyle of frugality. Setsuyaku is more general and used for resources like water and time.

彼は倹約家だ (He is a frugal person). 水を節約する (Save water).

節約する vs 省く (Habuku)

Both involve 'saving' something.

Habuku means to omit or skip a step to save time/effort. Setsuyaku means to use less of a resource.

手間を省く (Save the trouble). 電気を節約する (Save electricity).

節約する vs 削る (Kezuru)

Both mean reducing something.

Kezuru is to 'shave off' or 'cut' a budget or time. Setsuyaku is the general act of saving/economizing.

予算を削る (Cut the budget). お金を節約する (Save money).

節約する vs 抑える (Osaeru)

Both involve keeping usage low.

Osaeru is to 'suppress' or 'hold down' spending. Setsuyaku is the broader concept of economizing.

出費を抑える (Keep expenses down). 節約生活 (Frugal life).

節約する vs 切り詰める (Kiritsumeru)

Both mean reducing expenses.

Kiritsumeru implies a much stricter, more painful reduction, often out of necessity.

生活費を切り詰める (Slash living expenses).

Sentence Patterns

[Resource] を節約します。

水を節約します。

[Goal] のために、節約しています。

旅行のために、節約しています。

[Action] ことで、[Resource] を節約できる。

自炊することで、食費を節約できる。

節約のコツは、[Action] ことだ。

節約のコツは、毎日家計簿をつけることだ。

[Situation] の影響で、節約せざるを得ない。

物価高の影響で、節約せざるを得ない。

徹底的な節約が求められている。

会社では徹底的な節約が求められている。

過度な節約は、[Result] を招きかねない。

過度な節約は、健康被害を招きかねない。

[Concept] を基調とした節約に取り組む。

循環型社会を基調とした節約に取り組む。

Word Family

Nouns

節約 (Setsuyaku - Saving/Economy)

節約家 (Setsuyakuka - Frugal person)

節約術 (Setsuyakujutsu - Saving techniques)

Verbs

節約する (Setsuyaku suru - To save/economize)

Adjectives

節約的な (Setsuyakuteki na - Economical/Saving-oriented)

倹約 (Kenyaku - Frugality)

貯金 (Chokin - Savings/Banking)

節電 (Setsuden - Saving electricity)

節水 (Sessui - Saving water)

省エネ (Shou-ene - Energy saving)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, media, and business.

Common Mistakes

Using 節約する for saving a computer file. → ファイルを保存する (Hozon suru).
Setsuyaku is only for resources/money. Digital data uses 'hozon'.
Using 節約する for saving a person's life. → 命を救う (Inochi wo sukuu).
You cannot 'economize' a life. Use 'sukuu' for rescue.
Saying 銀行にお金を節約する. → 銀行にお金を貯金する (Chokin suru).
You don't 'economize' into a bank. You 'deposit/bank' (chokin) money.
Confusing 節約 with 倹約 in casual talk. → 節約 (Setsuyaku).
Kenyaku is a bit too formal for daily chats about electricity or food.
Using 節約する for 'saving a seat'. → 席を取っておく (Seki wo totte oku).
To 'save' or 'reserve' a seat uses different verbs like 'toru'.

Tips

Use the 'te-iru' form for habits

If you want to say you are currently 'in the habit' of saving, always use 'setsuyaku shite imasu'. 'Setsuyaku shimasu' sounds like a one-time decision or a future promise.

Learn specific compounds

Instead of always saying 'mizu wo setsuyaku suru', try using 'sessui suru' (節水する) or 'setsuden suru' (節電する) for electricity. It sounds more advanced.

The Mottainai Spirit

Remember that 'setsuyaku' is often tied to 'Mottainai'. If you explain your saving by saying 'Mottainai kara', Japanese people will deeply understand your motivation.

Kanji stroke order

For '節', start with the bamboo radical at the top. For '約', start with the thread radical on the left. Writing them correctly makes them look much better.

Reacting to prices

When you see something expensive, saying 'Setsuyaku shinakya...' (I guess I have to save...) is a very natural way to react in a group of Japanese friends.

Context clues

If you hear 'setsu-' followed by another kanji, it often relates to saving. Setsuden (electricity), Sessui (water), Setsugen (words/speech).

Business Context

In a job interview, mentioning that you are good at 'jikan no setsuyaku' (saving time) or 'cost no setsuyaku' is a great way to show you are efficient.

Positive framing

Always frame 'setsuyaku' as a positive goal. It's not about being poor; it's about being smart and sustainable.

Supermarket labels

Look for 'Setsuyaku Pack' in supermarkets. These are usually larger portions that are cheaper per gram, designed for people who want to save.

Joint Promise

Remember: Setsu (Joint) + Yaku (Promise). You make a promise at every joint/node of your life to be careful with resources.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Set'ting a 'Yaku' (limit) on your spending. SET-SU-YAKU. You 'set' a 'yaku' (promise) to yourself to save.

Visual Association

Imagine a bamboo stalk (節). The nodes represent limits. You are keeping your spending inside those nodes to 'setsuyaku'.

Word Web

Money Water Electricity Time Resources Frugality Budget Waste

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house you can 'setsuyaku' today. For example, turn off a light, use less water, or skip a snack. Say 'Setsuyaku shimasu!' each time.

Word Origin

The word comes from Middle Chinese roots. 'Setsu' (節) originally meant a joint in bamboo, implying a point of restriction or a measured section. 'Yaku' (約) meant to bind or to shorten.

Original meaning: The combination originally referred to the regulation of behavior or the restriction of usage to stay within proper bounds.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to call someone a 'setsuyakuka' (frugal person) if they are actually struggling with poverty, as it might sound like you are trivializing their hardship. In such cases, 'taihen' (difficult) is more empathetic.

In English-speaking countries, 'saving' can feel like a chore or a restriction. In Japan, 'setsuyaku' is often framed as a 'game' or a 'skill' (setsuyaku-jutsu) that one can master and take pride in.

The 'Golden Legend' (Ougon Densetsu) TV show featured a famous segment where celebrities lived on 10,000 yen for a month. The term 'Mottainai' popularized globally by Wangari Maathai is the spiritual cousin of 'setsuyaku'. Japanese lifestyle magazines like 'ESSE' or 'Orange Page' regularly feature 'setsuyaku' cover stories.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Household Budgeting

食費を節約する
家計簿をつける
特売品を買う
無駄遣いを減らす

Environmental Protection

資源を節約する
電気をこまめに消す
水を出しっぱなしにしない
リサイクルに協力する

Work/Business

経費を節約する
コピー用紙を節約する
会議の時間を節約する
効率化を図る

Travel

交通費を節約する
安い宿を探す
クーポンを利用する
夜行バスを使う

Cooking

節約レシピ
残り物を使う
まとめ買いをする
外食を控える

Conversation Starters

"最近、何か節約していることはありますか？ (Are you saving on anything lately?)"

"おすすめの節約術を教えてください。 (Please tell me your recommended saving techniques.)"

"電気代を節約するために、どんな工夫をしていますか？ (What kind of tricks are you using to save on electricity?)"

"節約生活って、楽しいと思いますか？ (Do you think a frugal life is enjoyable?)"

"日本で生活費を節約するのは難しいですか？ (Is it difficult to save on living expenses in Japan?)"

Journal Prompts

今月、どのくらいお金を節約できたか書きましょう。 (Write about how much money you were able to save this month.)

あなたが知っている一番いい節約術について説明してください。 (Explain the best saving technique you know.)

もし100万円節約できたら、何に使いたいですか？ (If you could save 1 million yen, what would you want to use it for?)

環境のために、これから節約したい資源は何ですか？ (What resources do you want to save for the environment from now on?)

節約とケチの違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between saving and being stingy?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you cannot. For digital files, use 'hozon suru' (保存する) or 'se-bu suru' (セーブする). 'Setsuyaku' is only for economizing resources like money or energy.

Generally, it is a very positive word in Japan. It suggests being responsible, wise, and environmentally conscious. However, if overdone, people might use the negative word 'kechi' (stingy) instead.

You can say 'Kuruma wo kau tame ni, okane wo setsuyaku shite imasu.' You could also say 'chokin shite imasu' if you are putting it in the bank.

'Setsuyaku' is the general term for saving. 'Setsuden' (節電) is a specific noun meaning 'saving electricity'. You can say 'Setsuden suru' which is the same as 'Denki wo setsuyaku suru'.

No. To save a life, use 'tasukeru' (助ける) or 'sukuu' (救う). 'Setsuyaku' would sound like you are trying to use less of the person!

Yes, usually it is. It means someone is good at managing their money and resources. It's like calling someone 'thrifty' or 'economical' in English.

Yes, 'jikan wo setsuyaku suru' (to save time) is a very common and natural expression, just like in English.

The most common particle is 'wo' (を) to mark the thing you are saving. You can also use 'de' (で) to mark the method, like 'Jisuite de setsuyaku suru' (Save by cooking at home).

The word is 'setsuyaku-jutsu' (節約術). You see this word a lot in magazines and on TV.

While there isn't a single slang word, people often use 'ukasu' (浮かす - to make float) to mean they saved some money from a specific budget. For example, 'Lunch-dai wo ukaseta' (I saved/skimmed some money from my lunch budget).