消
消·extinguish, erase, disappear
- On-yomi
- ショウ
- Kun-yomi
- きえるけす
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 消す | けす | to turn off, to erase |
| 消える | きえる | to go out, to disappear |
| 消費 | しょうひ | consumption |
| 消しゴム | けしごむ | eraser |
Example sentences
出かける前に電気を消してください。
でかけるまえにでんきをけしてください。
Please turn off the lights before you go out.
画面の文字が急に消えました。
がめんのもじがきゅうにきえました。
The text on the screen suddenly disappeared.
消費税が上がって、生活が大変です。
しょうひぜいがあがって、せいかつがたいへんです。
Consumption tax went up and life is tough.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Mixing 消す (transitive, you turn it off) with 消える (intransitive, it goes out)
- Reading 消費 as しょうび instead of しょうひ
Memory aid
Picture it
Water (氵) thrown on a small flame — the light goes out and vanishes.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 消 mean?