“To turn off” in Japanese is 消す (けす), pronounced kesu.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To switch off, and also to erase or put out a fire.
Example sentences
- 電気を消してください。でんきをけしてください。Please turn off the light.
- テレビを消しました。テレビをけしました。I turned off the TV.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 消す. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 消す けす | turn off |
| Polite present | 消します けします | turn off |
| Polite negative | 消しません けしません | don’t turn off |
| Polite past | 消しました けしました | past of “turn off” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 消さない けさない | don’t turn off (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 消した けした | past of “turn off” (casual) |
| て-form | 消して けして | turn off and… / please turn off (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 消したい けしたい | want to turn off |
Quick practice
Test yourself0/3
What does {{消す}} mean?
How do you read {{消す}}?
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to turn off in Japanese?
To turn off in Japanese is 消す (けす), pronounced “kesu”.
How do you write to turn off in Japanese?
It's written 消す with kanji, or けす in hiragana. Both are read kesu.
Is 消す on the JLPT?
Yes. 消す (kesu) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.