Translation guide
To remove hair by cutting it close to the skin, or metaphorically to reduce something by a small amount.
To cut hair from the face, head, or body using a razor or similar tool.
General verb for shaving hair from the body, especially the face or head. Can be used for shaving off a beard, mustache, or head hair.
I shave off my beard.
I shave my head.
To shave off completely, emphasizing removal. Often used for shaving off a beard or mustache entirely.
Same as 剃り落とす, but often written in kana. Common in casual contexts.
To remove a small amount from a total, such as time, cost, or weight.
To shave off, scrape off, or cut down. Used for reducing time, costs, or other abstract amounts.
剃る is only for shaving hair. For shaving off material like wood or metal, use 削る (けずる) or other specific verbs.
彼は口ひげを剃り落とした。
He shaved off his mustache.
無精ひげをそり落とす。
I shave off my stubble.
We shave off the budget.
He shaved 0.1 seconds off the record.
To reduce, cut down. More formal and often used in business or official contexts for cutting costs or time.
We shave off costs.
To reduce little by little. A more descriptive phrase for shaving off small amounts over time.
I'm shaving off weight little by little.