A1 Collocation 중립 2분 분량

電気を消す

turn off the light

직역: electricity (object marker) extinguish/erase

Use this phrase whenever you are leaving a room or preparing for sleep.

15초 만에

  • Standard way to say 'turn off the light' in Japanese.
  • Uses the verb 'kesu' which also means 'to erase'.
  • Essential for daily life, bedtime, and saving energy.

This is the most common way to say 'turn off the light' in Japanese. You use it whenever you're flicking a switch to end the illumination in a room.

주요 예문

3 / 7
1

Leaving the house together

あ、電気を消した?

Ah, did you turn off the lights?

😊
2

In a formal office setting

会議室の電気を消しておきます。

I will turn off the meeting room lights.

3

Asking a roommate while in bed

ごめん、電気を消してくれる?

Sorry, could you turn off the light for me?

🤝
🌍

문화적 배경

The phrase reflects Japan's deep-rooted 'Mottainai' culture, which emphasizes not wasting resources. During peak summer or winter months, the government often issues 'Setsuden' (electricity saving) requests, making this phrase very common in news and public service announcements.

💡

The Eraser Connection

The verb `kesu` is the same one used for using an eraser (`keshigomu`). Think of it as 'erasing' the light from the room!

💬

The 'Setsuden' Spirit

In Japan, turning off lights is a social virtue. If you leave a room with the light on, someone might call you out for being wasteful!

15초 만에

  • Standard way to say 'turn off the light' in Japanese.
  • Uses the verb 'kesu' which also means 'to erase'.
  • Essential for daily life, bedtime, and saving energy.

What It Means

Denki o kesu is your go-to phrase for darkness. It combines denki (electricity or light) with kesu (to extinguish or erase). It is simple, direct, and very common. Think of it as 'erasing the light' from the room. It is one of the first collocations you will learn. It feels natural and is used every single day.

How To Use It

You just need the noun and the verb. Put the particle o in the middle. Use kesu for casual talk with friends. Use keshimasu for polite situations or work. It works for ceiling lights and desk lamps. You can also use it for electronic screens. It is a very versatile 'off' button for your vocabulary.

When To Use It

Use it when you leave a room. Say it before you go to sleep. It is perfect for saving energy at home. Tell your roommates to do it often. Use it at the office when leaving. It is also common in schools and public spaces. If the sun is bright, turn them off!

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for water faucets. For water, use the verb tomeru instead. Do not use it for closing a laptop lid. It is specifically for things with power switches. Avoid it when talking about 'putting out' a large fire. For big fires, use shouka or hi o kesu. Stick to switches and buttons here.

Cultural Background

Japan loves the concept of Mottainai. This means 'don't be wasteful.' Turning off lights is a national habit. Many offices have 'No Overtime' light-off times. It is a small way to show respect. In summer, 'Setsuden' (saving power) is a huge deal. Turning off one light is seen as a group effort. It shows you care about the environment.

Common Variations

Denki o keshite is a soft command for friends. Denki o keshite kudasai is the polite version. Keshite mo ii? asks for permission to darken the room. Keshitara? suggests turning it off to save money. Keshite oku means turning it off beforehand. You will hear these variations everywhere in daily life.

사용 참고사항

This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any setting. Just remember to use the `-masu` form (`keshimasu`) in formal environments like offices or when speaking to strangers.

💡

The Eraser Connection

The verb `kesu` is the same one used for using an eraser (`keshigomu`). Think of it as 'erasing' the light from the room!

💬

The 'Setsuden' Spirit

In Japan, turning off lights is a social virtue. If you leave a room with the light on, someone might call you out for being wasteful!

⚠️

Don't use it for taps!

Even though we 'turn off' water in English, never use `kesu` for a faucet. Use `tomeru` (to stop) instead.

예시

7
#1 Leaving the house together
😊

あ、電気を消した?

Ah, did you turn off the lights?

A common check between family members or roommates.

#2 In a formal office setting

会議室の電気を消しておきます。

I will turn off the meeting room lights.

Using the 'te oku' form to show a completed action for the future.

#3 Asking a roommate while in bed
🤝

ごめん、電気を消してくれる?

Sorry, could you turn off the light for me?

A soft, friendly request using 'kureru'.

#4 A parent scolding a child
😊

誰もいない部屋の電気は消しなさい!

Turn off the lights in rooms where nobody is!

A classic parental command regarding energy waste.

#5 Watching a movie at home
😊

映画が始まるから、電気を消そう。

The movie is starting, so let's turn off the lights.

Using the volative 'sou' to suggest a shared action.

#6 A scary story moment
😄

怖いから電気を消さないで!

Don't turn off the light because I'm scared!

Using the negative 'naide' to stop someone from doing it.

#7 A romantic evening
💭

電気を消して、星を見ませんか?

Shall we turn off the lights and look at the stars?

A gentle, poetic invitation.

셀프 테스트

Complete the sentence to politely ask someone to turn off the light.

電気を___ください。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 消して

To make a request with 'kudasai', you must use the 'te-form' of the verb, which is 'keshite'.

Choose the correct object for the verb 'kesu' in the context of a room.

部屋を出る時、___を消します。

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: 電気

'Denki' (electricity/light) is the correct object for 'kesu' when leaving a room.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality of 'Turning off the light'

Very Informal

Used with close friends or siblings.

電気消してー (Denki keshite~)

Neutral

Standard daily usage.

電気を消す (Denki o kesu)

Formal

Polite request to a boss or stranger.

電気を消していただけますか? (Denki o keshite itadakemasu ka?)

When to use 'Denki o kesu'

電気を消す
😴

Bedtime

Turning off the bedside lamp.

💼

Leaving Work

Being the last one out of the office.

🎬

Movie Night

Setting the mood for a film.

💰

Saving Money

Practicing 'Setsuden' at home.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Denki literally means 'electricity.' However, in daily life, it is almost always used to mean 'the lights' in a room.

Yes! You can use denki o kesu or gamen o kesu (turn off the screen) for devices like phones or tablets.

Yes, you can say denki o keshimasu for a statement or denki o keshite kudasai for a polite request.

The opposite is denki o tsukeru (電気をつける), which means to turn the light on.

Yes, hi o kesu means to put out a fire, like a candle or a small campfire.

In casual speech, Japanese speakers often drop particles. Denki keshite is very common among friends.

Usually, we use enjin o tomeru (stop the engine) rather than kesu for car engines.

Setsuden means 'saving electricity.' It is a common cultural practice in Japan, especially after the 2011 earthquake.

For a computer, dengen o kiru (cut the power) is more common, but kesu is understood for the monitor.

Only if you use the polite form keshimasu. Otherwise, it might sound too blunt or rude.

관련 표현

電気をつける

To turn on the light

明かりを落とす

To dim or turn down the lights

節電する

To save electricity

電源を切る

To turn off the power/switch off

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