If you’re learning Japanese, you may come across situations where you need to express the concept of “minus” or the “-” symbol. Whether you’re doing math problems, discussing temperatures, or indicating negative values, it’s essential to know the various ways to convey this idea. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore formal and informal expressions, provide regional variations where necessary, and offer numerous tips and examples to help you master the usage of “minus” in Japanese.
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Formal Ways to Say “Minus”
When it comes to formal settings, such as academic or professional environments, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for “minus” in Japanese:
- 引（ひ）く – Hiku: This is the standard Japanese verb for “to subtract.” It can be used in formal situations as well as in everyday conversations. For example, you could say:
5引く2は3です。
Go hiku ni wa san desu.
Five minus two equals three.
マイナス – Mainasu: This loanword from English is commonly used in formal contexts, particularly in mathematical equations or financial statements. For instance:
6プラスマイナス2は4です。
Roku purasu mainasu ni wa yon desu.
Six plus or minus two equals four.
Informal Ways to Say “Minus”
In more casual situations, such as daily conversations or informal writing, you may encounter alternative expressions for “minus” in Japanese. Here are some informal ways to convey the concept:
- 引（ひ）く – Hiku: As mentioned earlier, this verb is widely used in both formal and informal settings. An example in an informal context could be:
昨日の貯金が50円引いた。
Kinou no chokin ga gojuu en hikita.
I subtracted 50 yen from my savings yesterday.
− – Minus: Informally, the “-” symbol itself is sometimes used to represent “minus” in written format, just like in English. For instance:
温度（おんど）は-10℃です。
Ondo wa -10-do sen desu.
The temperature is minus ten degrees Celsius.
Regional Variations of “Minus”
Japanese is spoken across different regions, and various dialects or regional expressions exist. While the term for “minus” generally remains consistent throughout Japan, there are a few minor variations worth mentioning:
- マイナス – Mainasu: As mentioned earlier, this is the common term for “minus” used nationwide. It’s understood by everyone, regardless of their regional background.
- 引（ひ）く – Hiku: Similarly, the verb “hiku” is widely recognized and used throughout Japan for “to subtract.”
- マイナン – Mainan: In some regions, particularly in the Tohoku dialect, you may hear people using “mainan” instead of “mainasu.” This variation is specific to these areas and not common in standard Japanese.
Tips for Using “Minus” in Japanese
To further assist you in effectively using “minus” in Japanese, here are some additional tips:
- Be mindful of context: Ensure you understand the context of the situation to determine the most suitable way to express “minus.”
- Practice with examples: Work with various examples in both formal and informal settings to gain a better grasp of usage.
- Pay attention to intonation: When using spoken Japanese, pay attention to the intonation of “hiku” to convey the correct meaning.
- Use the “-” symbol sparingly: While the “-” symbol is understandable, it’s more common to use the appropriate Japanese terms for “minus” in most contexts.
- Seek feedback: Engage with native speakers or language partners to get feedback on your usage and pronunciation.
By following these tips and practicing the various ways to say “minus” in Japanese, you’ll be able to confidently express negative values, subtract numbers, and navigate mathematical equations. Remember to adapt your language based on the formality of the situation and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning Japanese!
