Translation guide
The English verb 'subtract' is most commonly expressed in Japanese by the verb 引く (hiku), which covers mathematical subtraction as well as the physical act of pulling or removing. Other verbs like 差し引く (sashihiku) and 減じる (genjiru) are used in more specific contexts such as finance or formal writing.
To take one number away from another in arithmetic.
The standard verb for subtraction in mathematics. Used in everyday arithmetic and school settings.
If you subtract 3 from 10, you get 7.
この問題は引き算です。
This problem is subtraction.
Literally 'deduct by difference'. Used in formal or financial contexts, often implying a net calculation after deductions.
経費を差し引くと利益はわずかだ。
After subtracting expenses, the profit is small.
A formal, somewhat literary verb meaning 'to reduce' or 'to subtract'. Rare in everyday speech.
収入から支出を減じた額が貯蓄となる。
The amount after subtracting expenditures from income becomes savings.
To remove a part from a whole, such as in finance, time, or abstract quantities.
Commonly used for deducting amounts in business, accounting, or when considering net results.
税金を差し引いた手取りはいくらですか。
How much is the take-home pay after subtracting taxes?
Can be used in casual contexts for deducting or taking away, but 差し引く is more precise for financial deductions.
この金額から手数料を引いてください。
Please subtract the handling fee from this amount.
Means 'to reduce' or 'to decrease'. Not a direct translation of 'subtract', but often used when talking about reducing quantities.
To pull or take something away from a place or situation.
Means 'to remove' or 'to take away'. Used when physically subtracting an object or element.
不要な部分を取り除いてください。
Please subtract the unnecessary parts.
Can also mean 'to pull out' or 'to withdraw', implying subtraction by removal.
彼はその計画から手を引いた。
He subtracted himself from the plan (withdrew).
引く is the general verb for subtraction in math and casual contexts. 差し引く is preferred in financial or formal situations where a net amount is calculated after deductions. Using 引く in a business report may sound too casual.
売上から原価を差し引いた粗利益。
Gross profit after subtracting cost from sales.
In English, 'subtract' can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'subtract the negative influences'). In Japanese, 引く or 差し引く are rarely used this way. Instead, use verbs like 取り除く (remove) or 減らす (reduce).
Subtract waste and increase profit.