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.
光熱費を節約するために、エアコンをあまり使わない。
To save on utility bills, I don't use the air conditioner much.
毎月少しずつ節約して、旅行の資金を貯めている。
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.
彼は倹約家で、無駄遣いを一切しない。
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.
今月は出費を抑えなければならない。
I have to keep my spending down this month.
To live simply and avoid waste, often as a long-term habit or philosophy.
To live a simple, frugal life. Focuses on the lifestyle rather than just saving money.
田舎で質素に暮らすのが彼の夢だ。
His dream is to live a simple life in the countryside.
An adjective describing a thrifty, frugal, or economical lifestyle. Often positive, implying careful management.
彼女は倹しい生活を送っている。
She leads a frugal life.
To use resources efficiently, not just money. Can apply to time, energy, materials.
To eliminate waste. Used for time, money, effort, or materials.
会議の無駄を省いて、効率を上げよう。
Let's cut out waste in meetings and improve efficiency.
Also used for non-monetary resources like time or electricity.
時間を節約するために、近道を通った。
I took a shortcut to save time.