Translation guide
The minus sign (−) is used in mathematics and to indicate negative numbers or subtraction. In Japanese, it is commonly expressed with the symbol マイナス (mainasu) or the word 引く (hiku) for subtraction.
The symbol used to indicate subtraction or a negative number
The most common way to refer to the minus sign in Japanese, used in math, temperatures, and everyday contexts.
5マイナス3は2です。
5 minus 3 is 2.
気温はマイナス5度です。
The temperature is minus 5 degrees.
Used as a verb meaning 'to subtract'. When reading a formula aloud, 引く is used for the minus operation.
10引く4は6です。
10 minus 4 is 6.
Literally 'negative sign', used in formal mathematical contexts.
負号を忘れないでください。
Don't forget the minus sign.