Translation guide
The English word 'minus' is used in math, to describe negative numbers or temperatures, and informally to mean 'without' or 'lacking'. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each use.
minus 10 degrees
To express the operation of subtraction, as in 'five minus three'.
The standard way to say 'A minus B' in math. 引く (hiku) means 'to pull' or 'subtract'.
5 minus 3 is 2.
The loanword 'minus' is also used, especially in casual or spoken math contexts.
To describe a number less than zero, as in 'minus five' or 'a minus sign'.
To describe temperatures below freezing, as in 'minus 10 degrees'.
To say that something is missing or absent, as in 'He came minus his wallet'.
Means 'without ~'. A natural way to express the absence of something.
To refer to a negative aspect or downside, as in 'the minuses of the plan'.
Both are used for subtraction. 引く is the native Japanese verb and is standard in math classes. マイナス is a loanword and feels more casual or modern. In formal writing, 引く is preferred.
While English uses 'minus' informally to mean 'without', Japanese マイナス is not used this way. Use なしで or 抜きで instead.
5マイナス3は2。
5 minus 3 is 2.
The temperature is minus 5 degrees.
a minus sign
Used in formal or technical contexts, such as mathematics or finance. Often combined with numbers, e.g., 負の数 (negative number).
negative number
The forecast says tomorrow's low will be minus 10 degrees.
Literally 'below freezing point'. Used in weather reports and formal contexts. Often followed by the number of degrees.
minus 10 degrees (below freezing)
He came minus his wallet.
More literal: 'without holding/bringing ~'. Slightly more formal than なしで.
He came without his wallet.
Means 'omitting' or 'leaving out'. Used when something is deliberately excluded.
Joking aside (minus the jokes), do you really think so?
Let's consider the minus side of this plan.
Means 'weak point' or 'demerit'. More formal than マイナス.
The minus of this plan is the high cost.
Loanword meaning 'disadvantage' or 'downside'. Common in business contexts.
What are the minuses of this proposal?