Translation guide
The concept of economising covers saving money, cutting costs, being frugal, and using resources efficiently. Japanese has distinct expressions for different nuances: general saving, thrifty living, and avoiding waste.
To spend less money, often by reducing expenses or being careful with finances.
The most common and versatile verb for economising or saving money. It implies conscious effort to reduce spending.
To save on utility bills, I don't use the air conditioner much.
I'm saving a little each month to build up funds for a trip.
Similar to 節約する but often implies a more frugal, thrifty lifestyle, sometimes with a nuance of being stingy if overdone.
He's a thrifty person and never wastes money.
Literally 'to keep down expenses'. Used when you want to control or limit spending in a specific area.
I have to keep my spending down this month.
To live simply and avoid waste, often as a long-term habit or philosophy.
To use resources efficiently, not just money. Can apply to time, energy, materials.
彼女は倹しい生活を送っている。
She leads a frugal life.
I took a shortcut to save time.