Translation guide
The English verb 'save' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: rescuing, setting aside for later, preventing waste, and in computing. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
To rescue someone or something from harm, danger, or a difficult situation.
The most common and general verb for 'save' in the sense of rescuing or helping someone out of trouble.
消防士が家族を火事から助けた。
The firefighters saved the family from the fire.
友達が困っている時は助けたい。
I want to help my friends when they're in trouble.
Often used for saving lives, souls, or in a more dramatic or literary sense. Can imply salvation.
医者が患者の命を救った。
The doctor saved the patient's life.
彼の言葉が私を救った。
His words saved me.
Formal term for rescue operations, often used in news or official contexts.
海でおぼれた人を救助した。
They rescued a person who was drowning in the sea.
To keep something for future use, such as money, time, or food.
The most natural way to say 'save something for later'. Used for concrete items like food, seats, or money.
このケーキは明日のために取っておこう。
Let's save this cake for tomorrow.
席を取っておいてもらえますか？
Could you save a seat for me?
Specifically for saving money in a bank or as savings.
毎月少しずつ貯金している。
I save a little money every month.
Means to economize or save by cutting back on expenses. Often used for money, time, or energy.
電気代を節約するためにエアコンを消した。
I turned off the air conditioner to save on electricity costs.
To leave something remaining or not use it all, often for food or tasks.
明日のために少し残しておいて。
Save a little for tomorrow.
To avoid wasting time, money, effort, or resources.
Used for saving resources like time, money, or energy by being efficient.
時間を節約するために近道を使った。
I took a shortcut to save time.
水を節約してください。
Please save water.
To omit or cut out something unnecessary, thereby saving effort or resources.
To store a file or data on a computer or device.
The standard term for saving files or data in computing.
ファイルを保存するのを忘れないで。
Don't forget to save the file.
上書き保存しますか？
Do you want to overwrite the save?
Loanword from English, commonly used in gaming and casual computing contexts.
ゲームをセーブした。
I saved the game.
In sports like soccer or hockey, to stop the ball or puck from entering the goal.
The standard term for a goalkeeper making a save.
ゴールキーパーがシュートをセーブした。
The goalkeeper saved the shot.
General verb meaning 'to prevent' or 'to defend against', can be used in sports contexts.
彼がゴールを防いだ。
He saved the goal.
助ける is the everyday word for helping or rescuing someone from trouble. 救う is more dramatic, often used for saving lives, souls, or in a spiritual sense. Use 助ける for most situations.
彼は私を助けてくれた。
He helped me out.
その話は私の心を救った。
That story saved my soul.
セーブする is only for computing or sports. Using it for saving money or time sounds unnatural. Use 貯金する or 節約する instead.
助けて！
Save me!
新しい車のためにお金を貯金しています。
I'm saving money for a new car.
シャットダウンする前に作業を保存してください。
Save your work before you shut down.
Save unnecessary effort.