Learning how to say “save” in Japanese can be useful when you want to express the concept of saving something or someone, whether it’s time, money, or even a file on your computer. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to say “save” in Japanese, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Save”
When speaking formally or in professional settings, it is important to use appropriate expressions. Here are some formal ways to say “save” in Japanese:
1. 節約する (Setsuyaku suru)
This is the most common and general term for “to save” in Japanese. It can be used to refer to saving money, time, or resources. For example: 節約することは賢明です。(Setsuyaku suru koto wa kenmei desu.) – “Saving is wise.”
2. 安全に保つ (Anzen ni tamotsu)
This expression specifically refers to keeping something or someone safe. For instance: 電子データを安全に保つ。(Denshi data wo anzen ni tamotsu.) – “To save electronic data.”
3. 保存する (Hozon suru)
When you need to save or maintain the original form or state of something, you can use this term. Example: 画像を保存する。(Gazou wo hozon suru.) – “To save an image.”
Informal Ways to Say “Save”
For casual conversations, friendly interactions, or when speaking to someone of the same age or status, you can use these informal expressions:
1. セーブする (Seibu suru)
This is a borrowed word from English, commonly used among Japanese speakers. It is often associated with saving progress in a game or saving files on a computer. Example: データをセーブする。(Data wo seibu suru.) – “To save data.”
2. とっておく (Totte oku)
This phrase means “to keep something for later” and can also express the idea of saving. It can be used for saving time or saving an item. For example: もう少し時間をとっておこう。(Mou sukoshi jikan wo totte okou.) – “Let’s save a little more time.”
3. 省く (Habuku)
This verb refers to saving or omitting something, usually to save effort, money, or time. Example: 本を買わずに省く。(Hon wo kawazu ni habuku.) – “To save money by not buying a book.”
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used throughout Japan, certain regions may have their own unique ways of saying “save.” Here are a couple of examples:
1. 無駄遣いしないで (Mudazukai shinaide)
This phrase, commonly used in the Kansai region, translates to “don’t waste.” It emphasizes the importance of not wasting resources or money. Example: 無駄遣いしないでお金を貯めてください。(Mudazukai shinaide okane wo tamete kudasai.) – “Save money instead of wasting it.”
2. ぱくる (Pakuru)
In some dialects, such as in the Tohoku region, the verb “ぱくる” can be used to mean “to save” or “to put aside.” For example: 時間をぱくろう。(Jikan wo pakurou.) – “Let’s save some time.”
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to help you understand and use the word “save” in Japanese effectively:
- 1. Context is Key: Always consider the context in which you want to use the word “save” in Japanese. Depending on the situation, one expression may be more appropriate than another.
- 2. Verb Endings: Keep in mind that the verb endings might change depending on the sentence structure or tense you are using. For example, “節約します” (Setsuyaku shimasu) means “I save” in the present/future tense.
- 3. Practice Makes Perfect: Since language learning is a process, it’s important to practice using these expressions regularly. This will help you become more comfortable with their usage.
Now that you’ve learned various formal and informal ways to say “save” in Japanese, as well as a few regional variations, you can confidently use them in conversations or written text. Remember to pay attention to the context and adapt your choice accordingly. Keep practicing and enjoy expanding your Japanese vocabulary!
