Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 消す | kesu | [ke̞sɨ] (narrow) |
| 削除する | sakujo-suru |
Japanese uses different words for 'delete' depending on whether you are erasing a mistake, turning off a light or removing digital data. 消す is a general verb used for erasing something written, turning off an electronic device or deleting something in a more casual or physical sense. When dealing with software, data or accounts, 削除する is the standard technical term. In more formal or specific settings, you might encounter 消去する, which conveys the idea of completely erasing or eliminating something or 抹消する, which is a formal expression used in legal or official contexts to suggest the removal of information or records.
Which one should you use?
消す is used for erasing something written or turning off a light/electronic device. In contrast, 削除する is the standard technical term used in software interfaces and formal contexts for deleting data, files or accounts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 削除 is the noun form of the verb 削除する (deletion), and you will often see it used alone on user interface buttons as 'Delete'.
How do you pronounce it?
kesu
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, a character might use 消す to mean 'to assassinate' or 'to make someone disappear' permanently. This usage goes far beyond the dictionary meaning of removing a mistake or a file.
- The technical term 削除する is composed of two kanji: 削 meaning 'to shave or carve' and 除 meaning 'to remove'. This suggests a mental image of physically carving or scraping away the unwanted data.
- To a Japanese speaker, the act of deleting a digital file and extinguishing a candle flame are expressed by the same core linguistic concept.
Examples in context
- 例文を削除するにはどうしたら良いですか？How do I delete a sentence?This sentence demonstrates how to use 削除する to ask about deleting a sentence.Tatoeba #769549 by arihato, translation #769536 by arihato
- アカウントを削除する方法を教えてください。Please tell me how to delete my account.This sentence shows how to use 削除する when asking how to delete an account.Tatoeba #9953207 by small_snow, translation #9947109 by CK
- このファイルを削除するには、どうすればいいですか？How do I delete this file?This sentence illustrates the use of 削除する when asking how to delete a file.Tatoeba #11911815 by bunbuku, translation #5741693 by CM
- このファイルを削除してくださいPlease delete this file
- データを消去してくださいPlease delete the data
- 名簿から彼の名前を抹消してくださいPlease delete his name from the roster
- その写真を消してDelete that picture
- このアプリを削除しようLet's delete this app
- メッセージをけちゃったI accidentally deleted the message
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is helping Yota with his smartphone.
- 結衣 Yuiこの写真は消す？Kono shashin wa kesu?Do you want to delete this photo?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、消していいよ。Un, keshite ii yo.Yes, you can delete it.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、全部消すね。Jaa, zenbu kesu ne.Okay, I'll delete them all.
- 陽太 Yotaお願いするよ。Onegai suru yo.Please do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delete” translations and entries 消す, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
