Japanese word

消費

Pronunciation

Romajishōhi

Meaning

  • nounconsumption

Example

水の消費を減らします。mizu no shō hi o he ra shi ma su

I reduce water consumption.

Illustration for 消費 (consumption)

More examples

夏はエアコンによる電気の消費が増えます。natsu wa e a ko n ni yo ru den ki no shō hi ga fu e ma su

Electricity consumption by air conditioners increases in summer.

Core concept

Describes resources being used up through ordinary use, including goods, energy, water, or money.

Common phrases

  • 消費を減らすshō hi o he ra su

    reduce consumption

  • 消費を抑えるshō hi o osa e ru

    control consumption

  • 消費を見直すshō hi o mi nao su

    review consumption

Similar words

使用shiyō: The act of using something for a purpose, without focusing on how much is used.
消耗shōmō: The gradual use of a resource until less of it remains.
支出shishutsu: The payment of money for goods, services, or other needs.

Definition in Japanese

物や資源を使って減らすこと。また、金銭を使うこと。mono ya shi gen o tsuka tte he ra su ko to ma ta kin sen o tsuka u ko to

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 消費 (shōhi) is formed from 消 (shō, "use up") and 費 (hi, "spend"), linking use with expenditure.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 消費 (shōhi) covers both consumption and spending, so it appears in terms for energy use as well as consumer spending.

Other meanings

  • usenoun
  • spendingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word