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A2 verb #1,300 most common 8 min read

消す

kesu Top 1,300

At the A1 level, you learn 'kesu' as a basic action verb for daily life. You primarily use it in the polite '~masu' form (keshimasu) or the request form '~te kudasai' (keshite kudasai). The most common objects you will use with 'kesu' are 'denki' (light) and 'terebi' (TV). It is important to learn this word alongside 'tsukeru' (to turn on), as they are opposites. At this stage, focus on the physical act of turning things off in a room. You might also learn 'keshigomu' (eraser), which helps you remember the 'erase' meaning of the verb. Simple sentences like 'Denki o keshimasu' (I will turn off the light) are perfect for this level. You should also be aware that it is a Group 1 (Godan) verb, so the dictionary form ends in 'u'.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'kesu' to include more varied objects like 'hi' (fire/stove) and 'ji' (letters/writing). You will start using different conjugations, such as the past tense 'keshita' and the negative 'kesanai'. You will also encounter the 'potential' form 'keseru' (can erase/turn off), often seen in phrases like 'keseru pen' (erasable pen). This level also introduces the 'te-shimau' construction, which is very useful for expressing regret when you accidentally delete something: 'Deeta o keshite shimaimashita' (I accidentally deleted the data). You should also begin to distinguish 'kesu' (transitive) from its intransitive partner 'kieru' (to go out/disappear), though you might still make mistakes with the particles 'o' and 'ga'.

At the B1 level, you move beyond physical objects and start using 'kesu' for abstract concepts. This includes 'oto o kesu' (to mute/silence a sound) or 'nioi o kesu' (to remove a smell). You will also encounter 'kesu' in the context of digital data management more frequently, using it to describe deleting files, accounts, or messages. Your understanding of the transitive/intransitive distinction between 'kesu' and 'kieru' should be solid by now. You will also start seeing compound verbs like 'keshi-wasureru' (to forget to turn off). In social contexts, you'll understand the importance of 'hi o kesu' as a cultural responsibility in Japan. You might also start using the passive form 'kesareru' to describe something being erased by an external force or person.

At the B2 level, you use 'kesu' in more complex grammatical structures and formal contexts. You will understand the nuance between 'kesu' and more formal synonyms like 'sakujo suru' (to delete) or 'shōka suru' (to extinguish). You will encounter 'kesu' in idiomatic expressions and compound verbs like 'kakikesu' (to drown out a sound) or 'uchikesu' (to deny/negate). Your usage will include metaphorical meanings, such as 'kehai o kesu' (to hide one's presence). You can discuss environmental issues using 'kesu' in the context of energy conservation. You should be comfortable using 'kesu' in various registers, from casual 'keshichatta' to more formal 'keshimashita', and understand how it functions in relative clauses and conditional sentences.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the literary and nuanced uses of 'kesu'. This includes its use in literature to describe the 'erasing' of a life or the 'fading' of a memory when used in specific poetic constructions. You will be familiar with historical contexts, such as the 'hikeshi' (firefighters) of the Edo period. You can use 'kesu' to describe subtle sensory experiences, like 'hikari o kesu' to create a specific atmosphere. You will also understand the legal and administrative nuances of 'masshō' (obliteration/deregistration) versus 'kesu'. Your ability to use 'kesu' in complex arguments, perhaps discussing the 'right to be forgotten' (wasurerareru kenshi) in the digital age, will show a high level of proficiency.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'kesu' and all its related forms and synonyms. You can appreciate the philosophical implications of 'erasing' (kesu) in Japanese thought, perhaps in the context of Zen or minimalist aesthetics. You can use the verb and its derivatives in highly specialized fields, from technical data recovery to advanced literary analysis. You understand the most obscure compound verbs and can use them with perfect naturalness. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and tonal qualities of the word in speech and can use it to convey subtle emotions or irony. Your understanding of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, encompassing its full historical, cultural, and linguistic breadth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

消す in 30 Seconds

Kesu means to turn off, extinguish, or erase.
It is a transitive verb, usually paired with the particle 'o'.
Commonly used for lights, TVs, fires, and deleting digital data.
The intransitive counterpart is 'kieru' (to go out/disappear).

The Japanese verb 消す (kesu) is a fundamental transitive verb that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it describes the intentional act of making something disappear, stopping a flow, or extinguishing a source of energy. Whether you are turning off a light, rubbing out a mistake with an eraser, or putting out a campfire, kesu is the go-to term. It belongs to the 'Godan' (Group 1) verb category, meaning its conjugation follows the ~u to ~i/a/e patterns. Understanding kesu requires recognizing its relationship with its intransitive counterpart, 消える (kieru), which means 'to go out' or 'to disappear' on its own. While kieru describes a state change that happens, kesu emphasizes the agent—the person doing the action.

Physical Objects: Used when removing physical marks, such as pencil on paper or ink on a whiteboard. The Japanese word for eraser, keshigomu, literally translates to 'erase-rubber'.

Energy and Utilities: Applied to electricity, gas, and fire. In a Japanese household, you will frequently hear 'denki o keshite' (turn off the light) or 'hi o keshite' (turn off the stove/fire).

寝る前に必ずテレビを消すようにしてください。 (Please make sure to turn off the TV before you go to sleep.)

Beyond the physical, kesu extends into the digital and abstract realms. In the context of modern technology, it is the standard word for 'deleting' files, messages, or accounts. If you accidentally delete a photo on your smartphone, you might exclaim, 'Shashin o keshichatta!' (I accidentally deleted the photo!). Abstractly, it can refer to suppressing smells (nioi o kesu), silencing sounds (oto o kesu), or even 'erasing' one's presence or life in literary contexts. This versatility makes it one of the most high-frequency verbs in daily Japanese conversation.

間違えたところを消しゴムで消す。 (Erase the mistaken part with an eraser.)

Sensory Suppression: Used for 'killing' a smell or 'muffling' a sound. For example, using a fan to 'kesu' the smell of cooking in a small apartment.

足音を消して部屋に入った。 (I entered the room while muffling the sound of my footsteps.)

履歴を消すのを忘れないで。 (Don't forget to clear/erase the history.)

キャンプファイヤーの火をしっかり消す。 (Extinguish the campfire thoroughly.)

Grammatically, 消す (kesu) is a transitive verb, which means it almost always takes the direct object particle を (o). The basic structure is [Subject] は [Object] を消す. Because it is a Godan verb ending in ~su, its te-form is keshite and its past tense is keshita. This is a crucial distinction for beginners who might confuse it with verbs like hanasu (to speak) which follow the same pattern, or taberu which does not. When you want to ask someone to turn something off politely, you use the ~te kudasai form: 'Denki o keshite kudasai'.

The ~te shimau Form: When kesu is combined with ~te shimau (to do something completely or accidentally), it becomes keshite shimau (or colloquially keshichau). This is very common when talking about accidentally deleting files or data.

大事なメールを間違えて消してしまった。 (I accidentally deleted an important email.)

Another important usage is the potential form, 消せる (keseru), meaning 'can erase' or 'can turn off'. This is often seen on product packaging, such as 'keseru boorupen' (erasable ballpoint pens). Conversely, the passive form 消される (kesareru) is used when something is erased by someone else, often carrying a nuance of being troubled by the action. In more advanced contexts, the causative form kesaseru (to make/let someone erase) might be used in classroom settings or instructions.

Compound Verbs: Kesu appears in compounds like kakikesu (to drown out/scratch out) and uchikesu (to deny/negate). These add specific nuances to the act of making something disappear.

このペンは、水で簡単に消せます。 (This pen can be easily erased with water.)

エアコンを消し忘れた！ (I forgot to turn off the air conditioner!)

ホワイトボードの文字を消してください。 (Please erase the words on the whiteboard.)

テレビの音を消して集中する。 (I'll mute the TV sound and concentrate.)

In Japan, 消す (kesu) is omnipresent. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the home. Japanese parents are often seen reminding their children to 'Denki o keshite!' to save electricity, reflecting the cultural value of mottainai (avoiding waste). In the winter, when many people use kerosene heaters or gas stoves, the phrase 'Hi o keshita?' (Did you turn off the fire?) becomes a vital safety check before leaving the house or going to bed. The word is deeply tied to the daily rituals of maintaining a safe and efficient living environment.

In the Classroom: Teachers will say 'Kokuban o keshite kudasai' (Please erase the chalkboard). Students frequently ask each other for a 'keshigomu' (eraser) to 'kesu' a mistake in their notebooks. It is an essential part of the academic vocabulary.

「電気を消してから寝なさい。」 (Turn off the light before you go to sleep.)

In the modern office or digital space, kesu is used constantly regarding data management. Whether it's deleting a Slack message, clearing a browser's cache, or removing a file from a shared drive, kesu is the natural choice for informal communication. You might hear a colleague say, 'Sono fairu, keshite mo ii desu ka?' (Is it okay if I delete that file?). In public spaces, you might hear announcements or see signs about 'tabako no hi o kesu' (extinguishing cigarette butts), which is a critical part of public smoking etiquette in Japan.

Public Safety: Fire trucks in Japan are called 'shōbōsha', and the act of firefighting is 'shōka' (extinguishing fire). While 'shōka' is the formal noun, the verb 'kesu' is what people shout when they see a small fire: 'Hi o keshite!'

「間違えてアプリを消しちゃった！」 (I accidentally deleted the app!)

「黒板を消してくれる？」 (Can you erase the blackboard for me?)

「タバコの火はきちんと消しましょう。」 (Let's make sure to extinguish cigarette fires properly.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 消す (kesu) is confusing it with its intransitive pair 消える (kieru). Remember: kesu is an action you do to something (transitive), while kieru is something that happens on its own (intransitive). If you say 'Denki ga keshita', it sounds like the electricity itself performed an erasing action, which is nonsensical. The correct forms are 'Denki o keshita' (I turned off the light) or 'Denki ga kieta' (The light went out).

Kesu vs. Shimeru: In English, we 'close' a laptop or 'close' an app. In Japanese, you 'shimeru' (close) the physical lid of the laptop, but you 'kesu' (turn off/delete) the power or the screen content. Using 'shimeru' for a TV or a light is a common beginner error.

× テレビを閉める (Close the TV)
○ テレビを消す (Turn off the TV)

Another nuance involves the word 'delete'. While kesu is perfectly fine for deleting files, using it in a very formal technical document might be seen as too casual. In those cases, 削除する (sakujo suru) is preferred. Also, be careful with the word 'cut'. In English, we 'cut' the lights, but in Japanese, 'kiru' (to cut) is used specifically for 'cutting the power supply' (dengen o kiru). While kesu and kiru are often interchangeable for electronics, kesu is more common for the visual act of turning off a light.

Particle Confusion: Because kesu is transitive, it almost always takes 'o'. If you use 'ga', you are likely describing the subject that is doing the erasing, not the thing being erased.

× ろうそくが消した (The candle erased/turned off...)
○ ろうそくを消した (I blew out the candle.)

× 音を止める (Stop the sound - used for music/flow)
○ 音を消す (Mute/eliminate the sound)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 消す (kesu), and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality. While kesu is the general-purpose verb, others provide more specific imagery or technical precision.

削除する (Sakujo suru): This is the formal, technical term for 'delete'. You see this on computer menus, in programming, and in legal contexts. Use this when you want to sound professional about removing data.

切る (Kiru): Literally 'to cut'. Used for turning off power (dengen o kiru) or hanging up a phone (denwa o kiru). It implies a sudden disconnection of a flow.

不要なファイルを削除する。 (Delete unnecessary files. - Formal/Technical)

For fire specifically, 消火する (Shōka suru) is the formal noun-verb (suru-verb) for 'extinguishing'. You will see this on fire extinguishers (shōkaki). For erasing writing, 抹消する (Masshō suru) is a very strong, formal word meaning 'to obliterate' or 'to strike out', often used in legal registration contexts. If you are talking about 'wiping away' something like a smudge or tears, 拭く (Fuku) or 拭い去る (Nuguizaru) might be more appropriate.

隠す (Kakusu): To hide. Sometimes confused with 'kesu' in abstract contexts. If you 'kesu' your tracks, they are gone. If you 'kakusu' them, they are still there but covered.

パソコンの電源を切る。 (Cut/Turn off the computer's power.)

不安を打ち消す。 (To negate/deny one's anxiety.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"退出の際は、必ず照明を消してください。"

Neutral

"テレビを消してもいいですか。"

Informal

"電気、消して。"

Child friendly

"消しゴムで、ゴシゴシ消そうね。"

Slang

"そのツイート、速攻で消したわ。"

Fun Fact

The kanji 消 combines the 'water' radical (氵) with 'shō' (肖), which originally meant 'to resemble' or 'small/spark'. The combination suggests using water to make a small spark or fire disappear.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ke.sɯ/

US /keɪ.su/

The pitch accent is 'Atamadaka' (Type 1), meaning the first syllable 'ke' is high and the second syllable 'su' is low: KE-su.

Rhymes With

Hanasu (to speak) Dasu (to put out) Kasu (to lend) Nasu (to do/form) Sasu (to point/stab) Tasu (to add) Osū (vinegar - though pitch differs) Kisu (kiss - loanword)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' in 'su' too strongly. In 'keshite', the 'i' and 'u' sounds often drop out.
Confusing the pitch with 'kesu' (meaningless in other pitches) or similar sounding words.
Making the 'e' sound like 'ee' in 'see'. It should be a short 'e' like in 'met'.
Stress-timing the word like English. Japanese is mora-timed.
Failing to devoice the 'u' in 'kesu' at the end of a sentence.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji 消 is common and taught in elementary school. The reading 'kesu' is straightforward.

Writing 3/5

The kanji has 10 strokes and includes the water radical. It requires some practice to balance.

Speaking 2/5

A very common verb with standard Godan conjugation. Easy to integrate into daily speech.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced, though the 'u' is often devoiced in 'kesu' or 'keshite'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

電気 (denki) - electricity 火 (hi) - fire テレビ (terebi) - TV 書く (kaku) - to write ゴム (gomu) - rubber

Learn Next

消える (kieru) - to disappear (intransitive) つける (tsukeru) - to turn on 削除する (sakujo suru) - to delete (formal) 消防署 (shōbōsho) - fire station キャンセル (kyanseru) - cancellation

Advanced

抹消 (masshō) - obliteration 消滅 (shōmetsu) - extinction 解消 (kaishō) - resolution 揉み消す (momikesu) - to suppress

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs (他動詞)

電気を消す (I turn off the light) vs 電気が出る (The light comes out).

Godan Verb Conjugation

消す (Dictionary), 消します (Polite), 消して (Te-form), 消した (Past).

~te shimau (Regret/Completion)

データを消してしまった (I accidentally deleted the data).

Potential Form (~eru)

このペンは消せる (This pen is erasable).

Compound Verb (~wasureru)

消し忘れる (To forget to turn off/erase).

Examples by Level

電気を消してください。

Please turn off the light.

Uses the ~te kudasai form for a polite request.

テレビを消します。

I will turn off the TV.

Standard polite ~masu form.

消しゴムを貸してください。

Please lend me an eraser.

Keshigomu is the noun form derived from kesu.

ノートの字を消します。

I will erase the letters in the notebook.

Shows the 'erase' meaning of the verb.

エアコンを消しましたか。

Did you turn off the air conditioner?

Past tense question form.

ラジオを消して。

Turn off the radio (casual).

Casual ~te form used as a command.

火を消してください。

Please put out the fire.

Used for fire/flames.

これを消してもいいですか。

Is it okay if I erase/turn off this?

~te mo ii desu ka pattern for permission.

間違えたので、消しゴムで消しました。

Because I made a mistake, I erased it with an eraser.

Uses the 'node' particle for reason.

寝る前に、必ず電気を消します。

I always turn off the lights before I sleep.

Adverb 'kanarazu' (always/without fail).

このペンは消すことができません。

You cannot erase (the ink of) this pen.

Potential structure 'koto ga dekinai'.

スマホの写真を消してしまった。

I accidentally deleted a photo on my smartphone.

~te shimatta expresses regret for an accident.

ガスを消すのを忘れないでください。

Please don't forget to turn off the gas.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no' to make it an object.

黒板を消すのを手伝いましょうか。

Shall I help you erase the blackboard?

~mashou ka for offering help.

このボタンで音を消せます。

You can mute the sound with this button.

Potential form 'keseru'.

キャンプの火をちゃんと消した？

Did you put out the campfire properly?

Casual past tense question.

部屋のにおいを消すために、窓を開けました。

I opened the window to get rid of the smell in the room.

Abstract use for removing smells.

彼は足音を消して、静かに歩いた。

He muffled his footsteps and walked quietly.

Abstract use for muffling sounds.

古いデータを消しても問題ありませんか。

Is it okay if I delete the old data?

Digital usage for data.

テレビの音がうるさいので、消してください。

The TV sound is loud, so please turn it off.

Using 'kesu' for sound.

書き間違えたところを二本線で消してください。

Please cross out the mistakes with two lines.

Specific way of 'erasing' or striking out.

彼は自分の過去を消したいと思っている。

He wants to erase his past.

Metaphorical use for abstract concepts.

エアコンを消し忘れて、出かけてしまった。

I forgot to turn off the AC and went out.

Compound verb 'keshi-wasureru'.

このスプレーは靴のにおいを消してくれます。

This spray removes the smell from shoes.

Benefactive construction '~te kureru'.

大雨が火事の火を消してくれた。

The heavy rain extinguished the fire of the blaze.

Natural force as the subject.

犯人は証拠を消そうとしたが、失敗した。

The criminal tried to erase the evidence, but failed.

Volitional form + 'to suru' (tried to).

都会の騒音が、彼女の声をかき消した。

The city noise drowned out her voice.

Compound verb 'kakikesu' (to drown out).

彼は気配を消して、獲物に近づいた。

He hid his presence and approached the prey.

Idiomatic 'kehai o kesu'.

その噂を打ち消すのは簡単ではない。

It is not easy to negate/deny that rumor.

Compound verb 'uchikesu' (to deny/negate).

不適切なコメントは管理者に消されることがあります。

Inappropriate comments may be deleted by the administrator.

Passive form 'kesareru'.

彼は怒りを消し去ることができなかった。

He could not wipe away his anger.

Compound verb 'keshisaru' (to wipe away/remove completely).

ライトを消したまま、車を走らせるのは危険だ。

It is dangerous to drive a car with the lights off.

'~ta mama' (while in the state of).

その一言が、私の不安を一瞬で消し飛ばした。

That one word blew away my anxiety in an instant.

Emphatic compound 'keshitobasu'.

歴史から彼の名前を消し去ることは不可能だ。

It is impossible to erase his name from history.

Stronger form 'keshisaru'.

夕闇が街の輪郭を次第に消していく。

The twilight gradually erases the outlines of the city.

Poetic use of '~te iku' for gradual change.

彼は自分の存在を消すかのように、ひっそりと暮らしている。

He lives quietly, as if trying to erase his own existence.

'~ka no you ni' (as if).

この洗剤は、頑固な油汚れもきれいに消してくれます。

This detergent even removes stubborn oil stains beautifully.

Using 'kesu' for stain removal (common in ads).

政府はその不都合な事実を揉み消そうとした。

The government tried to hush up/smother that inconvenient fact.

Idiomatic 'momikesu' (to hush up/stifle).

彼女の微笑みが、場の緊張感を消し和らげた。

Her smile erased and softened the tension in the room.

Nuanced combination of actions.

波が砂浜に書いた文字を消していった。

The waves went on erasing the letters written on the beach.

Natural process described with 'kesu'.

デジタル時代の「忘れられる権利」は、一度消した情報を完全に消去できるかという問いを含んでいる。

The 'right to be forgotten' in the digital age involves the question of whether information once 'erased' can be completely deleted.

Formal discussion on digital rights.

作者は、あえて主人公の個性を消すことで、読者の共感を誘っている。

The author invites the reader's empathy by intentionally erasing the protagonist's individuality.

Literary analysis.

静寂が、それまでの喧騒を跡形もなく消し去ってしまった。

The silence completely erased the previous bustle without a trace.

Advanced descriptive language 'atokata mo naku'.

その新薬は、特定の痛みの信号を脳に届く前に消す作用がある。

The new drug acts to erase specific pain signals before they reach the brain.

Scientific/Medical context.

彼は自らのアイデンティティを消し、異郷の地に同化しようとした。

He tried to erase his own identity and assimilate into a foreign land.

Sociological/Psychological context.

禅の教えでは、自我を消すことが悟りへの道とされる。

In Zen teachings, erasing the ego is considered the path to enlightenment.

Philosophical context.

その建築家は、建物の存在感を消すようなデザインを追求している。

The architect pursues designs that seem to erase the building's presence (making it blend in).

Aesthetic/Architectural context.

膨大なデータを一瞬で消し去るウイルスが、世界中のネットワークを脅かしている。

A virus that erases vast amounts of data in an instant is threatening networks worldwide.

Cybersecurity context.

Common Collocations

電気を消す

火を消す

テレビを消す

字を消す

データを消す

においを消す

音を消す

気配を消す

履歴を消す

跡を消す

Common Phrases

消し忘れる

消していい？

火の用心、マッチ一本火事の元、火を消して

姿を消す

名前を消す

思い出を消す

跡形もなく消す

揉み消す

書き消す

打ち消し

Often Confused With

消す vs 消える (kieru)

Kieru is intransitive (the light goes out). Kesu is transitive (I turn off the light).

消す vs 閉める (shimeru)

Shimeru is to close (a door/window). Kesu is to turn off (a TV/light).

消す vs 切る (kiru)

Kiru is to cut. While used for power, kesu is more common for lights.

Idioms & Expressions

"姿を消す"

To vanish; to disappear from sight or society.

犯人は人混みの中に姿を消した。

Neutral

"気配を消す"

To suppress one's presence so as not to be noticed.

彼は気配を消して後ろに立った。

Neutral

"証拠を消す"

To destroy or remove evidence of a deed.

指紋を拭いて証拠を消した。

Neutral

"火を消す"

To settle a dispute or trouble (metaphorical).

彼が間に入って、騒ぎの火を消した。

Informal

"揉み消す"

To suppress a matter; to hush up a scandal.

政治家が不祥事を揉み消した。

Formal/Critical

"跡形もなく消す"

To obliterate completely; to leave no trace.

爆発が建物を跡形もなく消した。

Neutral

"声をかき消す"

To drown out a voice with a louder noise.

飛行機の音が彼の声をかき消した。

Neutral

"不安を打ち消す"

To dispel or negate one's anxiety.

彼女の笑顔が私の不安を打ち消した。

Neutral

"存在を消す"

To act as if one does not exist; to be ignored.

彼はクラスで存在を消している。

Neutral

"灯を消す"

To bring an end to something (like a tradition or hope).

その老舗店が閉店し、街の灯を消した。

Literary

Easily Confused

消す vs 止める (tomeru)

Both mean 'to stop' something.

Tomeru stops movement or flow (car, water). Kesu stops existence or state (light, fire, writing).

水を止める (Stop the water) vs 火を消す (Put out the fire).

消す vs 殺す (korosu)

English uses 'kill' for lights or engines.

Korosu is only for living things in Japanese. Kesu is for lights/engines.

虫を殺す (Kill a bug) vs エンジンを消す (Turn off the engine).

消す vs 抜く (nuku)

Both can mean 'to remove'.

Nuku is to pull out (a plug, a tooth). Kesu is to turn off/erase.

プラグを抜く (Pull the plug) vs 電気を消す (Turn off the light).

消す vs 隠す (kakusu)

Both make something 'disappear'.

Kakusu is to hide something that still exists. Kesu is to make it not exist anymore.

本を隠す (Hide a book) vs データを消す (Delete data).

消す vs 削る (kezuru)

Both used for removing marks.

Kezuru is to shave or scrape off. Kesu is to erase.

鉛筆を削る (Sharpen/shave a pencil) vs 字を消す (Erase letters).

Sentence Patterns

[Object] を消してください。

電気を消してください。

[Object] を消しましたか。

火を消しましたか。

[Object] を消してしまった。

写真を消してしまった。

[Object] を消すために [Action]。

においを消すために窓を開ける。

[Object] を消し忘れる。

エアコンを消し忘れた。

[Object] を消そうとする。

証拠を消そうとした。

[Object] をかき消す。

騒音が声をかき消した。

[Object] を跡形もなく消す。

データを跡形もなく消した。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, education, and technology.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ga' with 'kesu'. → 電気を消す (Denki o kesu).
Since 'kesu' is transitive, it needs 'o' for the object. 'Denki ga kesu' would mean the light itself is erasing something.
Using 'shimeru' for turning off a light. → 電気を消す (Denki o kesu).
In English, we sometimes say 'close the light', but in Japanese, 'shimeru' is only for physical objects like doors or lids.
Confusing 'kesu' with 'kieru'. → 火を消した (I put out the fire).
If you say 'Hi ga keshita', it's grammatically wrong. Use 'Hi o keshita' (I did it) or 'Hi ga kieta' (It went out).
Using 'korosu' for 'killing' an engine. → エンジンを消す/切る (Enjin o kesu/kiru).
In Japanese, 'korosu' is strictly for living things. Using it for an engine sounds like a direct translation from English and is unnatural.
Using 'kesu' for closing a book. → 本を閉じる (Hon o tojiru).
Even though you are making the pages 'disappear' from view, the correct verb for books or digital windows is 'tojiru'.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use 'o' with 'kesu' because it's a transitive verb. If you see 'ga', the verb should likely be 'kieru' (intransitive).

Eraser Etymology

Remember 'keshigomu' (eraser) comes from 'keshi' (stem of kesu) + 'gomu' (rubber). This links the 'erase' meaning to the verb.

Fire Safety

In Japan, 'hi o kesu' is a critical phrase. Always check the stove before leaving your apartment to avoid accidents.

Deleting Files

While 'sakujo suru' is on the button, people usually say 'kesu' when talking about deleting photos or messages.

Pitch Accent

The pitch drops after the first syllable: KE-su. Practice saying it with a high start to sound more natural.

Muting Sound

Use 'oto o kesu' when you want to mute a device in public. It's considered polite in Japan to keep your devices silent.

Kill Switch

Associate 'Kesu' with 'Kill Switch'. It's the switch you flip to make things (lights, fire, data) go away.

Don't 'Close' the TV

Avoid saying 'terebi o shimeru'. Even though we 'close' apps in English, in Japanese, we 'kesu' the TV.

Forgetfulness

Learn 'keshi-wasureru' as a single unit. It's one of the most common things people say when they realize they left a light on.

Hiding Presence

Look out for 'kehai o kesu' in stories. It's a great way to describe someone being sneaky or stealthy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Kesu' as 'K-S' -> 'Kill Switch'. When you press the Kill Switch, you turn off the lights or erase the data.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant eraser (keshigomu) rubbing out a mistake, or a hand reaching for a light switch in a dark room.

Word Web

消しゴム (Eraser) 電気 (Electricity) 火 (Fire) 削除 (Delete) 消える (Disappear) 履歴 (History) 音 (Sound) におい (Smell)

Challenge

Try to use 'kesu' in three different ways today: once for a light, once for a mistake you wrote, and once for a digital message or notification.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'kesu'. It has been part of the Japanese language since the earliest recorded periods (Nara period).

Original meaning: To make something disappear or to extinguish a flame.

Japonic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'kesu' for people. 'Hito o kesu' can imply murder or making someone disappear in a criminal sense.

English speakers often use 'turn off' for electronics and 'erase' for writing. Japanese uses 'kesu' for both, which can be confusing at first but simplifies things once learned.

The 'Keshigomu' song (a popular children's song about an eraser). Fire safety posters featuring mascots like 'Pipo-kun' telling people to 'hi o kesu'. The 'Death Note' series, where 'kesu' is used in the context of erasing names/lives.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

電気を消して
テレビを消す
ガスを消した？
エアコンを消し忘れた

At School

消しゴムを貸して
黒板を消す
間違えたところを消す
名前を消さないで

Using Technology

ファイルを消す
履歴を消す
メッセージを消した
アプリを消しちゃった

Fire Safety

火を消す
タバコの火を消す
焚き火を消す
火を消し忘れないで

Abstract/Social

音を消す
においを消す
気配を消す
不安を消す

Conversation Starters

"「部屋を出るとき、電気を消すのを忘れましたか？」 (Did you forget to turn off the light when you left the room?)"

"「この消しゴム、よく消えますか？」 (Does this eraser erase well?)"

"「間違えて大事なメールを消したことはありますか？」 (Have you ever accidentally deleted an important email?)"

"「料理のあと、火を消したか不安になることはありますか？」 (Do you ever get anxious about whether you turned off the stove after cooking?)"

"「どうやって靴のにおいを消していますか？」 (How do you get rid of the smell in your shoes?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、消し忘れてしまったものはありますか？ (Is there anything you forgot to turn off today?)

あなたの人生から消したい記憶はありますか？ (Are there any memories you want to erase from your life?)

スマホのアプリを整理して、何を消しましたか？ (You organized your phone apps; what did you delete?)

「火の用心」について、あなたの国ではどう教えていますか？ (How do they teach fire safety in your country?)

静かな場所で「音を消す」ために何をしますか？ (What do you do to 'mute the sound' in a quiet place?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use 'kesu' for closing an app or deleting it, but 'tojiru' is more common for closing a window, and 'sakujo suru' or 'an-insutōru' is more precise for deleting/uninstalling.

'Kesu' focuses on the screen/image going away. 'Kiru' (dengen o kiru) focuses on cutting the power supply. Both are used, but 'kesu' is very common for daily use.

You say 'machigai o kesu' (間違いを消す). You usually use a 'keshigomu' (eraser) to do this.

Yes, 'nioi o kesu' is the standard way to say 'remove a smell' or 'deodorize'. You can use a 'shōshūzai' (deodorant/air freshener) to do this.

Be careful. 'Hito o kesu' sounds like you are making someone 'disappear' (murder or kidnapping) in a crime novel. To say someone left or vanished, use 'sugata o kesu'.

The te-form is 'keshite'. For example: 'Denki o keshite kudasai' (Please turn off the light).

It is called a 'keseru pen' (消せるペン) or 'furi-kushon pen' (Frixion pen, a popular brand).

It is transitive (tadoushi). It requires an object (e.g., light, fire) and the particle 'o'. The intransitive version is 'kieru'.

Yes, 'rousoku o kesu' means to blow out or extinguish a candle.

It means to suppress your presence or aura so that others don't notice you. It's often used in anime or stealth games.