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保存する

B1 verb #1,500 most common 12 min read

保存する

hozon suru Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 保存する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 保存する in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the most important thing to know about 保存する (hozon suru) is that it means 'to save' when you are using a computer or a smartphone. If you type a document, take a photo, or use an app, you will see the word 保存. It is the button you click so you do not lose your work. The word has two kanji: 保 and 存. You don't need to write them yet, but recognizing them on a screen is very helpful. It is a 'suru' verb, which means it acts like an action noun. To make it polite, you say 保存します (hozon shimasu). If you want to say 'I saved the picture', you say 'shashin o hozon shimashita'. Remember, we use the particle を (wo) to show what we are saving. Do not use this word when you want to say 'save money' or 'save a life'. It is only for saving data or keeping things like food from going bad. For beginners, just focus on the computer meaning. When you see the floppy disk icon on a Japanese website, it will say 保存. Clicking it means your file is safe. Practice saying 'fairu o hozon shimasu' (I will save the file). This simple phrase will be incredibly useful if you ever work or study using Japanese technology.

At the A2 elementary level, your understanding of 保存する (hozon suru) expands beyond just computers. While 'saving data' is still its most common use, you now learn that it also means 'to preserve' or 'to store' food. When you buy food at a Japanese supermarket, you need to know how to keep it fresh. This is where 保存する is very important. You will often see instructions like 冷蔵庫で保存する (reizouko de hozon suru), which means 'store in the refrigerator'. The particle で (de) shows where the action happens. You might also see 常温で保存する (jouon de hozon suru), meaning 'store at room temperature'. This verb is essential for daily life in Japan, especially in the kitchen. You should also practice its different forms. The te-form is 保存して (hozon shite). You can use this to ask someone to save something: 'kono fairu o hozon shite kudasai' (Please save this file). Or you can use the negative form: 'hozon shinai' (don't save). Remember the common mistake: do not use this word for saving money. For money, use 貯金する (chokin suru). By mastering the use of 保存する for both digital files and daily food storage, you will be much more comfortable living and working in a Japanese environment.

At the B1 intermediate level, you are expected to have a solid grasp of 保存する (hozon suru) in both its digital and physical contexts. You should confidently use it to discuss saving files (データを保存する) and preserving food (食品を保存する). At this stage, the focus shifts to understanding the nuances of the particles used with this verb. You must distinguish between saving *to* a location using に (ni) and preserving *in* a state or environment using で (de). For example, USBに保存する (save to a USB) versus 冷暗所で保存する (store in a cool, dark place). Furthermore, you will start encountering the noun form, 保存 (hozon), used in various compound words. Vocabulary like 保存料 (hozonryou - preservatives), 保存期間 (hozon kikan - storage period), and 保存状態 (hozon joutai - state of preservation) become important, especially if you are reading labels, manuals, or news articles. You should also be able to contrast 保存する with similar verbs like 保管する (hokan suru - to store physical items temporarily) and 維持する (iji suru - to maintain a condition). Understanding that 保存 implies maintaining the integrity or state of something over time to prevent degradation is key. This level requires you to use the word naturally in complex sentences, such as explaining why a certain preservation method is necessary or discussing the importance of backing up digital data.

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your usage of 保存する (hozon suru) becomes more abstract and sophisticated. While you still use it for data and food, you now apply it to broader, more conceptual topics such as environmental conservation, historical preservation, and cultural heritage. You will encounter phrases like 自然環境を保存する (preserve the natural environment) or 伝統芸能を保存する (preserve traditional performing arts). In these contexts, the word carries a significant weight, implying a societal or collective effort to protect valuable assets from the passage of time or modern development. You should be comfortable reading and discussing news articles or academic texts that use this terminology. Additionally, you will see it used in formal passive constructions, such as この建物は文化財として保存されている (This building is preserved as a cultural property). Your ability to distinguish between near-synonyms must be sharp. You should know exactly when to use 保存 (preservation of state/existence) versus 保護 (hogo - active protection from harm) or 保全 (hozen - conservation/maintenance). Mastery at this level means you can engage in debates about what should be preserved in society and how, using the correct terminology with precision and natural flow.

At the C1 advanced level, your comprehension and application of 保存する (hozon suru) must be near-native, encompassing highly specialized and academic contexts. You are expected to navigate complex texts involving legal, scientific, or archival terminology where this word is central. For instance, in legal or corporate compliance contexts, you will deal with 記録の保存義務 (the obligation to retain records) or データ保存ポリシー (data retention policies). In scientific contexts, it relates to the preservation of specimens or genetic material (細胞を凍結保存する - to cryopreserve cells). You must understand the subtle etymological implications of the kanji 保 (protect/guarantee) and 存 (exist/suppose) and how they combine to form a concept that is distinct from mere storage (保管) or maintenance (維持). Your spoken and written Japanese should effortlessly incorporate advanced compound nouns like 永久保存版 (eikyuu hozon ban - permanent preservation edition) or 保存修復 (hozon shuufuku - conservation and restoration). Furthermore, you should be able to articulate the philosophical or ethical dimensions of preservation, such as the tension between urban development and historical preservation (歴史的建造物の保存と開発のジレンマ). At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool used to discuss complex societal, technological, and environmental issues with nuance and authority.

At the C2 mastery level, your command of 保存する (hozon suru) reflects a deep, intuitive understanding of the Japanese language's structural and cultural nuances. You are capable of analyzing the word's usage across different historical periods and its evolution in response to technological advancements. You understand how the digital age has fundamentally shifted the frequency and primary association of the word from physical preservation to data retention. You can effortlessly dissect complex, highly technical, or literary texts where the concept of preservation is a central theme. Your vocabulary includes highly specialized jargon related to archiving, digital forensics, and museum curation. You can engage in high-level discourse on the epistemological implications of digital preservation versus physical decay. You intuitively grasp the absolute finest distinctions between 保存 (hozon), 保全 (hozen), 保護 (hogo), 保持 (hoji), and 維持 (iji), using each with surgical precision in academic writing or formal debate. You recognize when an author uses 保存 metaphorically or ironically. At this pinnacle of proficiency, you do not merely translate the word; you inhabit its full conceptual space within the Japanese cultural and linguistic landscape, utilizing it with the same elegance, exactitude, and rhetorical power as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

保存する in 30 Seconds

Digital Save: Used universally for saving files, photos, and game data.
Food Storage: Used for keeping food fresh in the fridge or pantry.
Preservation: Used for protecting nature, history, and cultural heritage.
Not for Money: Never use this verb to mean 'saving money' (use 貯める).

The Japanese verb 保存する (hozon suru) is a fundamental vocabulary item that bridges the gap between traditional physical preservation and modern digital data management. To truly understand this word, we must delve deep into its linguistic roots, its kanji composition, and its multifaceted applications in everyday Japanese life. The word is composed of two kanji: 保 (ho) and 存 (zon). The first kanji, 保, carries the meaning of protecting, guaranteeing, or keeping something safe. It is the same character used in words like 保険 (hoken - insurance) and 保護 (hogo - protection). The second kanji, 存, means to exist, to suppose, or to be aware of, appearing in words like 存在 (sonzai - existence) and ご存知 (gozonji - knowing). When combined, these two characters create a powerful concept: the act of protecting something so that it continues to exist. This is the core essence of 保存する. In the modern era, the most frequent encounter with this word is in the digital realm. Whenever you use a computer, smartphone, or any digital device with a Japanese interface, you will see 保存 (hozon) used as the direct equivalent of the English command 'Save'. Whether you are saving a text document, a photograph, a video file, or your progress in a video game, the action is universally referred to as 保存する. However, limiting your understanding of this word to just digital contexts would be a significant mistake. The term is equally vital in the physical world. For instance, it is extensively used in the context of food storage. When you buy groceries and need to keep them fresh, you are engaging in the act of 保存する. The instructions on food packaging will often detail the optimal 保存方法 (hozon houhou - preservation method), such as keeping it in a cool, dark place or refrigerating it. Furthermore, the word extends to the preservation of nature, historical artifacts, and cultural heritage. Environmentalists speak of preserving natural habitats, historians discuss preserving ancient manuscripts, and architects focus on preserving historical buildings. In all these scenarios, the underlying principle remains the same: safeguarding something valuable from decay, loss, or destruction to ensure its continued existence for future generations. Understanding the breadth of this word is crucial for achieving fluency in Japanese, as it allows you to navigate seamlessly between the digital interfaces of the 21st century and the timeless practices of conservation and storage. Let us explore some specific examples and structural patterns to solidify this understanding.

Digital Context: In computing, it refers to writing data to a storage medium to prevent data loss when the device is powered off.

作成した文書をパソコンに保存する。

Food Storage: It describes the methods used to keep food edible and prevent spoilage over time.

残った料理を冷蔵庫で保存する。

Cultural Preservation: This refers to the organized effort to maintain and protect items of historical or cultural significance.

古い町並みをそのままの状態で保存する。

大切な思い出の写真をアルバムに保存する。

ゲームの進行状況をこまめに保存する。

By mastering the various contexts in which this word appears, learners can significantly enhance their comprehension of both spoken and written Japanese across a wide array of subjects.

Mastering the usage of 保存する (hozon suru) requires a solid understanding of its grammatical properties, particularly its behavior as a transitive suru-verb. Because it is transitive, it almost always takes a direct object, which is marked by the particle を (wo). The basic sentence structure is '[Object] を保存する' (to save/preserve [Object]). For example, データを保存する (to save data) or 食料を保存する (to preserve food). However, the location where the object is saved or the state in which it is preserved is also crucial information that frequently accompanies this verb. When specifying the destination or location of the saved item, the particle に (ni) or で (de) is used, depending on the nuance. に is typically used for digital destinations or specific storage containers, emphasizing the endpoint of the action. For instance, パソコンに保存する (to save to a computer) or USBメモリに保存する (to save to a USB drive). On the other hand, で is often used when describing the environment or method of preservation, such as 冷蔵庫で保存する (to preserve in the refrigerator) or 常温で保存する (to store at room temperature). Understanding this distinction between に and で is vital for natural-sounding Japanese. Furthermore, as a suru-verb, 保存する is highly versatile in its conjugations. It can be easily transformed into various forms to express different tenses, politeness levels, and modalities. The polite form is 保存します (hozon shimasu), the past tense is 保存した (hozon shita), the negative form is 保存しない (hozon shinai), and the te-form is 保存して (hozon shite), which is often used in requests like 保存してください (please save). It can also be used in the passive voice, 保存される (hozon sareru - to be saved/preserved), which is common in formal or objective writing, such as 'This building is preserved by the city' (この建物は市によって保存されている). Additionally, the noun form, 保存 (hozon), is frequently used in compound words, creating a rich vocabulary network. Examples include 保存先 (hozonsaki - save destination), 保存期間 (hozon kikan - storage period), and 永久保存 (eikyuu hozon - permanent preservation). Let us examine these grammatical structures and usage patterns through detailed examples and explanations.

Using the Particle を (wo): Marks the direct object that is being saved or preserved. This is the most fundamental grammatical connection for this transitive verb.

重要なファイルを保存するのを忘れないでください。

Using the Particle に (ni): Indicates the destination where the data or object is placed for safekeeping, especially common in digital contexts.

ダウンロードした画像をスマートフォンに保存する。

Using the Particle で (de): Describes the environment, condition, or location where physical preservation takes place.

このワインは冷暗所で保存する必要があります。

歴史的な資料をデジタル形式で保存するプロジェクトが進んでいる。

変更を保存する前に、内容をもう一度確認してください。

By practicing these varied structures, you will develop a nuanced and accurate command of how to express the concept of saving and preserving in Japanese.

The verb 保存する (hozon suru) is ubiquitous in modern Japanese society, permeating various aspects of daily life, professional environments, and specialized fields. Its widespread usage makes it an essential vocabulary word for anyone aiming to navigate Japan effectively. One of the most prominent places you will encounter this word is in the digital landscape. Whether you are working in a corporate office in Tokyo, studying at a university, or simply using a smartphone, the concept of saving data is inescapable. Every software application, from word processors like Microsoft Word to graphic design tools like Adobe Photoshop, utilizes the term 保存 (hozon) in its file menus. When you browse the internet and right-click an image, the prompt will likely read 画像を保存 (gazou wo hozon - save image). In the realm of video gaming, a massive industry in Japan, players are constantly reminded to セーブデータを保存する (save their game data) before turning off their consoles. This digital prevalence ensures that even beginners quickly become familiar with the visual recognition of the kanji. Moving away from screens, the culinary world is another major domain for this word. Japan has a rich culture of food preservation, historically necessary due to its distinct seasons and geographical challenges. Today, when you visit a Japanese supermarket, you will find countless products with detailed instructions on how to store them. Labels will explicitly state whether an item requires 冷蔵保存 (reizou hozon - refrigerated storage), 冷凍保存 (reitou hozon - frozen storage), or 常温保存 (jouon hozon - room temperature storage). Cooking shows and recipe websites frequently use the verb to explain how to keep leftovers fresh or how to prepare ingredients for long-term use. Beyond the mundane, the word takes on a more profound significance in academic, environmental, and cultural contexts. Japan places a high value on its heritage, and efforts to preserve historical sites, traditional crafts, and natural landscapes are frequently discussed in the media. News reports might cover government initiatives to 自然環境を保存する (preserve the natural environment) or local community efforts to 伝統文化を保存する (preserve traditional culture). In these contexts, the word carries a weight of responsibility and respect for the past and the future.

Software and Technology: The universal command for saving files, documents, and settings across all operating systems and applications.

クラウドにデータを保存すると、どこからでもアクセスできます。

Supermarkets and Kitchens: Used on packaging and in recipes to indicate the proper method for keeping food safe for consumption.

開封後は冷蔵庫で保存するようにお願いします。

Museums and Archives: The professional terminology for the conservation of artifacts, documents, and artworks.

この博物館は、国宝を最適な湿度で保存する設備を備えています。

パスワードをブラウザに保存するのは便利ですが、セキュリティ上のリスクもあります。

冬の間食べるために、野菜を塩漬けにして保存する。

Recognizing these varied contexts will greatly improve your ability to infer meaning and engage in diverse conversations in Japanese.

While 保存する (hozon suru) is a highly useful and common verb, it is also a frequent source of errors for Japanese learners, primarily due to the subtle nuances that distinguish it from similar concepts in English and other languages. The English word 'save' is incredibly broad, encompassing the saving of data, the saving of money, the saving of time, and the saving of a life. In Japanese, however, these concepts are strictly divided among different vocabulary words, and using 保存する in the wrong context is a classic beginner mistake. The most critical error is attempting to use 保存する to mean 'saving money'. If you want to say 'I am saving money for a trip', you cannot say お金を保存する. This sounds unnatural, as if you are putting the physical coins and bills in a refrigerator to prevent them from rotting. The correct verb for saving money is 貯める (tameru) or 貯金する (chokin suru). Similarly, you cannot use 保存する to mean 'saving time'. To express 'saving time', you should use 節約する (setsuyaku suru - to economize/save) or 時間を省く (jikan wo habuku - to save/cut down time). Another major area of confusion is the concept of 'saving a life' or 'protecting someone from danger'. If someone is drowning, you do not 'hozon suru' them. That would imply you are trying to preserve their body for the future. The correct verb for rescuing or saving a life is 助ける (tasukeru) or 救う (sukuu). To protect someone or something from harm is 守る (mamoru). Furthermore, learners often confuse 保存する with 保管する (hokan suru). While both involve keeping things, 保管する is specifically used for storing physical items temporarily in a designated place, like keeping luggage at a hotel desk or storing documents in a filing cabinet. 保存する carries a stronger nuance of maintaining the condition or state of the item over a longer period to prevent degradation. Understanding these boundaries is essential for clear and natural communication. Let's break down these common pitfalls with specific examples to ensure you avoid them in your Japanese practice.

Mistake: Saving Money: Using 保存する for financial savings is incorrect. It implies preserving the physical currency rather than accumulating wealth.

❌ 車を買うために、お金を保存する。
⭕ 車を買うために、お金を貯める。

Mistake: Saving a Life: Using this verb for rescuing someone sounds bizarre and slightly morbid, as it means preserving a state of existence rather than rescuing from immediate peril.

❌ 彼は川で溺れている子供を保存した。
⭕ 彼は川で溺れている子供を助けた。

Mistake: Saving Time: Time cannot be physically preserved or stored on a hard drive, so using this verb for time efficiency is grammatically and logically incorrect in Japanese.

❌ タクシーに乗って時間を保存する。
⭕ タクシーに乗って時間を節約する。

❌ 席を保存する。
⭕ 席を取っておく。(To save a seat)

❌ 環境を保存するためにゴミを減らす。
⭕ 環境を保護する（または守る）ためにゴミを減らす。(Though 自然保存 exists, 保護 is better for active protection).

By carefully distinguishing between these different types of 'saving', you will speak much more naturally and avoid confusing native speakers.

To achieve a high level of proficiency in Japanese, it is crucial to understand the subtle distinctions between words that share similar meanings. The concept of keeping, storing, or preserving is expressed through several different verbs in Japanese, each with its own specific nuance and appropriate context. While 保存する (hozon suru) is the go-to word for saving data and preserving the state of food or historical items, it is often compared with words like 保管する (hokan suru), 維持する (iji suru), 残す (nokosu), and the loanword セーブする (seebu suru). Let us examine these synonyms closely. 保管する (hokan suru) translates to 'to store' or 'to keep in custody'. The key difference between 保存 and 保管 lies in the objective. 保存 focuses on maintaining the quality or state of the item (preventing data loss, preventing food from rotting). 保管 focuses on the physical location and safekeeping of an item, often temporarily. For example, you would 保管する important documents in a safe, but you would 保存する a digital copy on a hard drive. 維持する (iji suru) means 'to maintain' or 'to sustain'. This word is used when you want to keep a certain condition, standard, or relationship going without letting it decline. You maintain your health (健康を維持する) or maintain a relationship (関係を維持する). It is more abstract than 保存する, which usually deals with specific data, objects, or defined natural areas. 残す (nokosu) is a simpler, more native Japanese verb meaning 'to leave behind' or 'to save (a portion)'. It is often used in everyday conversation. For example, 'I saved some cake for you' would be ケーキを残しておいた (keeki wo nokoshite oita). It lacks the technical or formal nuance of 保存する. Finally, the katakana word セーブする (seebu suru) is a direct import of the English word 'save'. In modern Japanese, it is almost exclusively used in the context of video games (saving your progress) or, occasionally, in sports or energy contexts (saving one's strength - 体力をセーブする). While you can say データをセーブする, データを保存する is considered more standard and professional in business environments. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation, elevating your Japanese from merely understandable to highly articulate and precise.

保管する (hokan suru) - To store / keep in custody: Focuses on the physical placement and security of an item rather than maintaining its internal state.

貴重品はフロントの金庫で保管しております。

維持する (iji suru) - To maintain: Used for keeping abstract concepts, conditions, or standards at their current level without dropping.

現在の生活水準を維持するのは難しい。

セーブする (seebu suru) - To save (game/energy): A casual loanword primarily used in gaming or for holding back energy/effort.

ボス戦の前にゲームをセーブする。

明日の試合のために、今日は体力をセーブしておこう。

子供たちのために、美しい自然を未来へ残す。

By carefully studying these distinctions, you will build a robust and nuanced vocabulary that allows for precise expression in any situation.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

〜ておく (Doing something in advance: 保存しておく - to save for later)

〜ずに (Without doing: 保存せずに閉じる - close without saving)

受身形 (Passive voice: 保存される - to be saved)

〜べき (Should: 保存すべきだ - should save)

名詞化 (Nominalization: 保存すること - the act of saving)

Examples by Level

ファイルを保存します。

I will save the file.

Uses the polite 'shimasu' form and the object particle 'o' (を).

ここで保存してください。

Please save here.

Uses the te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

写真を保存しました。

I saved the photo.

Past tense polite form 'shimashita'.

データを保存する。

To save data.

Dictionary form, often used in written instructions.

保存ボタンを押します。

I press the save button.

Compound noun 'hozon botan' (save button).

まだ保存していません。

I haven't saved it yet.

Present continuous negative 'shite imasen'.

ゲームを保存します。

I save the game.

Simple transitive sentence structure.

これを保存してもいいですか。

May I save this?

Te-form + mo ii desu ka (asking for permission).

肉は冷蔵庫で保存してください。

Please store the meat in the refrigerator.

Uses 'de' to indicate the location/method of preservation.

このケーキは常温で保存できます。

This cake can be stored at room temperature.

Potential form 'hozon dekimasu' (can save/store).

USBメモリにデータを保存した。

I saved the data to a USB memory stick.

Uses 'ni' to indicate the destination of the saved data.

保存する方法を教えてください。

Please tell me how to save it.

Noun modification: 'hozon suru houhou' (method to save).

自動で保存されるので便利です。

It is convenient because it saves automatically.

Passive form 'hozon sareru' used for automatic actions.

古い写真をパソコンに保存しています。

I am saving old photos to my computer.

Te-iru form showing an ongoing action or state.

名前を付けて保存します。

I will save it with a name (Save As).

Common set phrase 'namae o tsukete hozon' (Save As).

涼しい場所で保存するのがいいです。

It is good to store it in a cool place.

Nominalization with 'no': 'hozon suru no' (the act of saving).

この食品は保存料を使用していません。

This food product does not use preservatives.

Introduces the compound noun 'hozonryou' (preservatives).

重要な書類は金庫に保存すべきだ。

Important documents should be kept in a safe.

Uses 'subeki da' to express strong recommendation or obligation.

クラウドに保存しておけば、データが消える心配はない。

If you save it to the cloud, there's no worry of the data disappearing.

Uses 'te okeba' (if you do it in advance/for the future).

歴史的な建造物を保存するための資金を集める。

Gathering funds to preserve historical buildings.

Uses 'tame ni' (in order to) with the dictionary form.

開封後は密閉容器に入れ、冷蔵庫で保存すること。

After opening, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.

Uses 'koto' at the end of a sentence for written instructions.

バッテリーを長持ちさせるために、電力を保存する設定にした。

I set it to save power in order to make the battery last longer.

Metaphorical use of saving power (though 節約 is also common, 保存 works for settings).

このワインの最適な保存温度は15度です。

The optimal storage temperature for this wine is 15 degrees.

Compound noun 'hozon ondo' (storage temperature).

上書き保存をしてしまったので、前のデータは戻らない。

I accidentally overwrote the save, so the previous data cannot be recovered.

Vocabulary 'uwagaki hozon' (overwrite save) and 'te shimatta' (regret).

地域の伝統文化を後世に保存していく取り組みが評価された。

The initiative to preserve the local traditional culture for future generations was highly evaluated.

Uses 'te iku' to show an action continuing into the future.

デジタルデータは劣化しないが、再生する機器の保存が課題となる。

Digital data does not degrade, but preserving the playback equipment becomes an issue.

Contrasting ideas using 'ga' and advanced vocabulary like 'rekka' (degradation).

その遺跡は、発見当時の状態のまま保存されている。

The ruins are preserved in the exact state they were in when discovered.

Uses 'no mama' to indicate an unchanged state.

法人の場合、帳簿類は原則として7年間保存しなければならない。

In the case of corporations, accounting books must generally be retained for seven years.

Formal obligation 'nakereba naranai' in a legal/business context.

生態系を保存するためには、開発を制限する法律が必要だ。

In order to preserve the ecosystem, laws restricting development are necessary.

Complex sentence structure discussing environmental policy.

この番組は永久保存版としてDVDに焼いておくつもりだ。

I plan to burn this program to a DVD as a permanent preservation edition.

Colloquial but advanced phrase 'eikyuu hozon ban' (permanent keeper).

臓器を長期間保存する新しい技術が開発された。

A new technology to preserve organs for long periods has been developed.

Scientific context using passive voice 'kaihatsu sareta'.

記憶をそのまま脳から取り出して保存できたら、どうなるだろうか。

I wonder what would happen if we could extract and save memories directly from the brain.

Hypothetical conditional 'tara' combined with potential form 'dekitara'.

公文書の保存と管理に関するガイドラインが大幅に改訂された。

The guidelines regarding the preservation and management of official documents were significantly revised.

Highly formal vocabulary: 'koubunsho' (official documents), 'kaitei' (revision).

遺伝資源の保存は、将来の食糧危機に備える上で不可欠な戦略である。

The preservation of genetic resources is an indispensable strategy in preparing for future food crises.

Academic structure '...wa ...ue de fukaketsu na ... de aru'.

美術品の保存修復においては、オリジナルの素材を尊重することが大原則だ。

In the conservation and restoration of artworks, respecting the original materials is the fundamental principle.

Specialized term 'hozon shuufuku' (conservation and restoration).

顧客データの保存期間を過ぎた情報は、速やかに破棄されなければならない。

Information that has passed its customer data retention period must be promptly destroyed.

Corporate compliance terminology: 'hozon kikan' (retention period), 'haki' (destruction).

景観保存の観点から、その地域での高層ビルの建設は条例で禁止されている。

From the perspective of landscape preservation, the construction of high-rise buildings in that area is prohibited by ordinance.

Formal phrasing '...no kanten kara' (from the perspective of).

デジタルアーカイブの構築により、散逸しがちな貴重な資料の網羅的な保存が可能となった。

The construction of a digital archive has made possible the comprehensive preservation of valuable materials that tend to be scattered and lost.

Advanced vocabulary: 'san'itsu' (scattering/loss), 'moura-teki' (comprehensive).

細胞を凍結保存する際のダメージを最小限に抑える特殊な溶液が用いられる。

A special solution is used to minimize damage when cryopreserving cells.

Scientific term 'touketsu hozon' (cryopreservation).

証拠保全の手続きとして、現場の状況をビデオに録画して保存した。

As a procedure for evidence preservation, the situation at the scene was recorded on video and saved.

Legal terminology 'shouko hozen' (preservation of evidence) combined with hozon.

言語の多様性を保存することは、人類の知的遺産を担保する営みに他ならない。

Preserving linguistic diversity is nothing less than the act of securing humanity's intellectual heritage.

Literary/philosophical structure '...ni hoka naranai' (is nothing less than).

忘却に抗い、記憶を外部メディアに保存しようとする人間の欲望は果てしない。

The human desire to resist oblivion and attempt to save memories on external media is endless.

Poetic and abstract vocabulary: 'boukyaku' (oblivion), 'aragau' (to resist).

当該システムは、トランザクションの完全性を保証しつつ、リアルタイムでログを冗長保存するアーキテクチャを採用している。

The system in question employs an architecture that redundantly saves logs in real-time while guaranteeing transaction integrity.

Highly technical IT jargon: 'jouchou hozon' (redundant storage), 'kanzensei' (integrity).

文化財の「動態保存」と「静態保存」の境界線は、その活用目的によって常に揺れ動いている。

The boundary between 'dynamic preservation' and 'static preservation' of cultural properties is constantly fluctuating depending on the purpose of their utilization.

Specialized museum/archival concepts: 'doutai hozon' vs 'seitai hozon'.

量子情報の保存におけるデコヒーレンス問題は、実用的な量子コンピュータ実現への最大の障壁である。

The decoherence problem in the preservation of quantum information is the greatest barrier to the realization of practical quantum computers.

Advanced physics terminology: 'ryoushi jouhou' (quantum info), 'dekohiirensu' (decoherence).

歴史の改竄を防ぐためには、一次資料の原本を厳重に保存し、アクセス権を厳格に管理する体制が求められる。

In order to prevent the falsification of history, a system that strictly preserves original primary sources and rigorously manages access rights is required.

Academic/historical context: 'kaizan' (falsification), 'ichiji shiryou' (primary sources).

自己保存の本能が極限状態においてどのように発露するかは、心理学における永遠のテーマである。

How the instinct for self-preservation manifests in extreme situations is an eternal theme in psychology.

Psychological term 'jiko hozon no honnou' (instinct of self-preservation).

データの長期保存性を担保するため、マイグレーション計画を策定し、定期的な媒体変換を実施する。

To ensure the long-term preservability of the data, a migration plan is formulated, and periodic media conversion is implemented.

Enterprise IT archiving strategy terminology.

Common Collocations

データを保存する

ファイルを保存する

画像を保存する

冷蔵庫で保存する

常温で保存する

上書き保存する

名前を付けて保存する

永久保存する

状態を保存する

自然を保存する

Common Phrases

保存して終了

保存せずに閉じる

自動保存

保存先を選ぶ

保存期間が過ぎる

保存状態が良い

保存料無添加

冷暗所で保存

冷凍保存する

クラウドに保存する

Often Confused With

保存する vs 保管する (Hokan suru - to store physical items)

保存する vs 貯める (Tameru - to save money)

保存する vs 節約する (Setsuyaku suru - to save time/resources)

Idioms & Expressions

"永久保存版 (A permanent keeper / collector's edition)"

"自己保存の本能 (Instinct of self-preservation)"

"動態保存 (Dynamic preservation - keeping machines in working order)"

"静態保存 (Static preservation - keeping machines as display models)"

"現状保存 (Preservation of the status quo)"

"証拠保全 (Preservation of evidence - legal term closely related)"

"記録保存 (Record retention)"

"保存療法 (Conservative therapy - medical term)"

"保存則 (Conservation law - physics)"

"質量保存の法則 (Law of conservation of mass)"

Easily Confused

保存する vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

regional differences

Standard across all regions of Japan.

generational differences

Older generations might associate it more with physical preservation, while younger generations instantly associate it with digital data.

Common Mistakes

Using 保存する to mean 'saving money' (Correct: 貯金する/貯める).
Using 保存する to mean 'saving time' (Correct: 節約する).
Using 保存する to mean 'rescuing someone' (Correct: 助ける/救う).
Using the particle で instead of に for digital save destinations (Correct: PCに保存する).
Confusing 保存する (maintaining state) with 保管する (storing physical items temporarily).

Tips

The Floppy Disk Rule

If the action you are doing can be represented by a floppy disk icon, use 保存する. If it involves a piggy bank, use 貯金する. If it involves a clock, use 節約する.

に vs で

Remember: に for digital destinations (PCに保存). で for physical environments (冷蔵庫で保存).

Learn the Noun Compounds

Don't just learn the verb. Learn compounds like 保存先 (save destination) and 保存期間 (storage period) as they appear constantly in software and business.

Supermarket Survival

Look for the kanji 保存 on food labels in Japan. It will tell you exactly how to keep your food safe (冷蔵, 冷凍, 常温).

Never Save a Life with Hozon

Do not tell someone you will 'hozon' them if they are in danger. Use 助ける (tasukeru) to rescue someone.

Permanent Keeper

Use the phrase 永久保存版 (eikyuu hozon ban) to describe a photo, video, or memory that is so good you want to keep it forever.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+S in Japanese software triggers 上書き保存 (uwagaki hozon - overwrite save). Ctrl+Shift+S usually triggers 名前を付けて保存 (namae o tsukete hozon - save as).

Casual Contractions

In fast speech, 保存しておく (save for later) becomes 保存しとく. Listen for this 'shitoku' ending.

Formal Documents

In business emails, use the humble form 保存いたしました (I have saved it) to sound highly professional.

Preservation vs Conservation

In environmental contexts, 保存 (hozon) leans towards keeping things exactly as they are, while 保全 (hozen) implies active management and maintenance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a HOse (ho) in the ZONE (zon) spraying water to PRESERVE a beautiful garden.

Word Origin

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

In IT, 'seebu suru' is understood but 'hozon suru' is the professional standard. In gaming, 'seebu' is more common.

As a suru-verb, it easily adapts to polite (保存します) and humble/respectful forms (保存いたします / 保存されます) common in business IT environments.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"このデータ、どこに保存しましたか？ (Where did you save this data?)"

"残った料理はどうやって保存すればいいですか？ (How should I store the leftover food?)"

"ゲーム、ちゃんと保存した？ (Did you make sure to save the game?)"

"クラウドに保存するのとUSBに保存するの、どっちがいいと思いますか？ (Which do you think is better, saving to the cloud or a USB?)"

"この写真は永久保存版ですね！ (This photo is a permanent keeper!)"

Journal Prompts

What is something important you want to 'hozon suru' (preserve) for the future?

Describe your method for saving digital files. Are you organized?

Write about a traditional food in your country that uses a special preservation method.

Have you ever lost data because you forgot to 'hozon suru'? What happened?

Why is it important to preserve historical buildings?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a very common mistake. 保存する is for saving data or preserving physical items like food. To say 'save money', you must use 貯める (tameru) or 貯金する (chokin suru).

保存する (hozon suru) focuses on maintaining the state or quality of an item (like keeping data intact or food fresh). 保管する (hokan suru) focuses on keeping a physical item in a specific location for safekeeping (like storing luggage or documents).

In casual contexts, especially video gaming, セーブする (seebu suru) is very common. However, in professional, academic, or formal IT environments, 保存する is the standard and preferred term.

The standard translation for 'Save As' in Japanese software is 名前を付けて保存 (namae o tsukete hozon), which literally means 'attach a name and save'.

Use the particle に (ni) for the destination. For example, パソコンに保存する (save to the computer) or USBに保存する (save to a USB).

Auto-save is 自動保存 (jidou hozon). If you want to use it as a verb phrase, you can say 自動的に保存される (jidouteki ni hozon sareru - it is saved automatically).

No. To save a seat, you use the phrase 席を取っておく (seki o totte oku), which means to take and hold a seat.

保存料 (hozonryou) means 'preservatives'. If a package says 保存料不使用 (hozonryou fushiyou) or 保存料無添加 (hozonryou mutenka), it means no preservatives are used.

To overwrite a file when saving is 上書き保存する (uwagaki hozon suru). 上書き (uwagaki) means 'writing over'.

No. Just like with money, time cannot be physically preserved. To say 'save time', use 時間を節約する (jikan o setsuyaku suru) or 時間を省く (jikan o habuku).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Translate: 'Please save the file.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Polite request using te-form + kudasai.