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道Nihongo Path
耗

耗·wear away, consume, decrease

On-yomi
もうこう
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
消耗しょうもうconsumption, exhaustion
消耗品しょうもうひんconsumables, supplies
摩耗まもうwear, abrasion
心神耗弱しんしんこうじゃくdiminished capacity (legal term)

Example sentences

  1. 紙やペンは消耗品です。

    かみやぺんはしょうもうひんです。

    Paper and pens are consumables.

  2. 長い会議で体力を消耗した。

    ながいかいぎでたいりょくをしょうもうした。

    The long meeting wore out my energy.

  3. 部品が摩耗したので交換が必要だ。

    ぶひんがまもうしたのでこうかんがひつようだ。

    The part has worn down, so it needs replacing.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 消耗 as しょうこう — the everyday reading is しょうもう
  • Writing 摩耗 as 磨耗 — the standard spelling is 摩耗

Memory aid

Picture it

The plough 耒 beside 毛 (fine hair): work the field long enough and it is worn down to the last thread.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 耗 mean?