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.
The loanword 'minus' is also used, especially in casual or spoken math contexts.
5マイナス3は2。
5 minus 3 is 2.
To describe a number less than zero, as in 'minus five' or 'a minus sign'.
Used before a number to indicate it is negative. Also used for the minus sign itself.
気温はマイナス5度です。
The temperature is minus 5 degrees.
マイナスの符号
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).
負の数
negative number
To describe temperatures below freezing, as in 'minus 10 degrees'.
The most common way to express negative temperatures in everyday conversation.
明日の最低気温はマイナス10度の予報です。
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.
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.
彼は財布なしで来た。
He came minus his wallet.
More literal: 'without holding/bringing ~'. Slightly more formal than なしで.
彼は財布を持たずに来た。
He came without his wallet.
Means 'omitting' or 'leaving out'. Used when something is deliberately excluded.
冗談抜きで、本当にそう思う？
Joking aside (minus the jokes), do you really think so?
To refer to a negative aspect or downside, as in 'the minuses of the plan'.
Used as a noun meaning a negative point or disadvantage. Often paired with プラス (plus/advantage).
この計画のマイナス面を考えよう。
Let's consider the minus side of this plan.
Means 'weak point' or 'demerit'. More formal than マイナス.
Loanword meaning 'disadvantage' or 'downside'. Common in business contexts.
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.
氷点下10度
minus 10 degrees (below freezing)
The minus of this plan is the high cost.
この案のデメリットは何ですか？
What are the minuses of this proposal?