Translation guide
The English verb "erase" covers several distinct actions in Japanese, from physically rubbing out marks to deleting digital data. The most common equivalent is 消す (kesu), but the best choice depends on what is being erased and how.
To rub out or wipe away written or drawn marks from a surface.
General verb for erasing marks, turning off lights, or deleting data. For pencil marks, often used with 消しゴム (eraser).
Please erase the writing on the blackboard.
間違えたので、鉛筆で書いた部分を消しゴムで消した。
I made a mistake, so I erased the part written in pencil with an eraser.
To wipe off and erase, often used for whiteboards or chalkboards when physically wiping.
ホワイトボードの文字を拭き消した。
I wiped the writing off the whiteboard.
To remove data from a computer, phone, or other digital device.
Commonly used for deleting files, messages, or data. Works in most digital contexts.
そのファイルを間違えて消してしまった。
I accidentally erased that file.
メッセージを全部消した。
I erased all the messages.
More formal or technical term for deletion, often used in software menus and official contexts.
不要なデータを削除してください。
Please delete unnecessary data.
To cause something to be forgotten or to eliminate completely.
To erase completely, wipe out. Stronger than 消す, often used for memories, past, or traces.
彼は過去の記憶を消し去りたかった。
He wanted to erase the memories of his past.
To erase, delete, or strike out formally, often used for records, names from lists, or legal existence.
彼の名前は名簿から抹消された。
His name was erased from the roster.
To forget completely, to let something fade from memory. Used when the focus is on the act of forgetting rather than actively erasing.
To remove recorded content from magnetic tape or similar media.
General term for erasing recordings. Works for tapes, videos, or any recorded media.
うっかりしてビデオの内容を消してしまった。
I carelessly erased the contents of the video.
To remove something by rubbing or scraping, such as dirt, rust, or a stain.
To rub off, scrub away. Used for physically removing something from a surface by friction.
壁の汚れをこすり落とした。
I scrubbed the dirt off the wall.
To scrape off, shave off. Implies using a tool to remove a layer.
消す (kesu) is the everyday word for erasing, deleting, or turning off. 削除する (sakujo suru) is more formal and technical, often seen in software menus or official documents. In casual conversation, 消す is almost always appropriate.
写真を消す (casual) / 写真を削除する (formal)
delete a photo
While 消す covers many meanings of 'erase', it does not work for erasing by scraping or rubbing off physical substances like rust or stains. Use verbs like こすり落とす or 削り取る instead.
その事件は人々の記憶から忘れ去られた。
The incident was erased from people's memories.
錆を削り取ってから塗装した。
I scraped off the rust and then painted it.