Translation guide
How to express 'delete' in Japanese, covering digital deletion, physical removal, and crossing out text.
To remove digital content such as files, emails, or text.
The most common and neutral term for deleting digital data, files, or messages. Used in software menus and everyday speech.
このファイルを削除してもいいですか？
Is it okay to delete this file?
I deleted the email.
A casual, everyday verb meaning 'to erase' or 'to delete'. Commonly used for deleting text, messages, or files in informal contexts.
そのメッセージ消しちゃった。
I accidentally deleted that message.
写真を消さないで。
Don't delete the photos.
Loanword from English, used in some technical or gaming contexts. Less common than 削除する.
そのレコードをデリートしてください。
Please delete that record.
To physically remove something, such as wiping off a whiteboard or erasing a mark.
General verb for erasing or removing physical marks, such as pencil lines, whiteboard writing, or stains.
黒板の字を消してください。
Please erase the writing on the blackboard.
この汚れを消すのは難しい。
It's hard to remove this stain.
Means 'to remove' or 'to eliminate' something unwanted. More formal and often used for abstract or physical removal.
To draw a line through written text to indicate deletion or correction.
Formal term for striking out or obliterating text, often used in official documents or legal contexts.
間違った部分を抹消してください。
Please strike out the incorrect part.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'to erase by drawing a line'. Used when explaining the action of crossing out.
その単語に線を引いて消した。
I crossed out that word.
削除する is the standard term for digital deletion (files, data). 消す is more casual and can be used for both digital and physical erasure. In formal or technical contexts, prefer 削除する.
データを削除する (formal) / データを消す (casual)
delete data
While デリート is understood in some IT contexts, it sounds unnatural in most situations. Use 削除する or 消す instead.
不要な部分を取り除いてください。
Please delete the unnecessary parts.