Translation guide
How to express 'turn off' in Japanese, covering devices, lights, taps, and figurative uses.
To stop the operation of an electronic device or machine by using a switch or button.
The most common verb for turning off lights, TVs, computers, and other electronic devices. Literally means 'to extinguish'.
Please turn off the TV.
電気を消すのを忘れた。
I forgot to turn off the light.
Means 'to cut off' power or operation. Often used for switches, breakers, or engines. Can sound more mechanical than 消す.
エアコンのスイッチを切ってください。
Please turn off the air conditioner switch.
エンジンを切る。
Turn off the engine.
Loanword from English 'off'. Common in casual speech and for devices with an on/off state.
スマホをオフにしてください。
Please turn off your smartphone.
To extinguish a light source or fire.
Used for both lights and flames. The default choice.
ろうそくの火を消す。
Blow out the candle.
部屋の明かりを消した。
I turned off the room light.
To stop the flow of water or gas from a tap or valve.
Means 'to stop' the flow. Used for water, gas, or any running supply.
水道を止めてください。
Please turn off the water.
ガスの元栓を止める。
Turn off the main gas valve.
Literally 'to close' a tap or valve. Common for faucets.
To mentally disengage, lose interest, or stop being receptive.
Metaphorical use of 'switch off'. Means to mentally disconnect or stop thinking about work.
仕事のスイッチを切ってリラックスする。
I switch off from work and relax.
Literally 'lose interest'. More direct than the metaphorical switch.
彼の話に興味を失った。
I turned off from his story.
To leave one road and join another, or to exit a main route.
Means 'to turn' when changing direction. Used with roads and paths.
次の交差点を右に曲がってください。
Turn off at the next intersection to the right.
Means 'to leave' or 'deviate from' a main road. Often used for exiting highways.
消す is the general verb for turning off anything that emits light, sound, or heat (TV, light, computer). 切る is used for cutting power or stopping mechanical operation (switch, engine). For most household electronics, 消す is more natural. 切る can sound technical or abrupt.
消す means 'extinguish' and is not used for water flow. Use 止める (とめる) or 閉める (しめる) for taps.
電気を消してもらえますか？
Could you turn off the light?
夜はいつもスマホの電源を切ります。
I always turn off my phone at night.
Turn off the faucet tightly.
高速道路を外れる。
Turn off the highway.