Translation guide
How to express 'turn off' in Japanese, covering devices, lights, taps, and figurative uses.
To stop the operation of an electronic device or machine by using a switch or button.
The most common verb for turning off lights, TVs, computers, and other electronic devices. Literally means 'to extinguish'.
テレビを消してください。
Please turn off the TV.
I forgot to turn off the light.
Means 'to cut off' power or operation. Often used for switches, breakers, or engines. Can sound more mechanical than 消す.
Please turn off the air conditioner switch.
Turn off the engine.
Loanword from English 'off'. Common in casual speech and for devices with an on/off state.
Please turn off your smartphone.
To extinguish a light source or fire.
Used for both lights and flames. The default choice.
Blow out the candle.
I turned off the room light.
To stop the flow of water or gas from a tap or valve.
To mentally disengage, lose interest, or stop being receptive.
To leave one road and join another, or to exit a main route.
消す is the general verb for turning off anything that emits light, sound, or heat (TV, light, computer). 切る is used for cutting power or stopping mechanical operation (switch, engine). For most household electronics, 消す is more natural. 切る can sound technical or abrupt.
消す means 'extinguish' and is not used for water flow. Use 止める (とめる) or 閉める (しめる) for taps.
Could you turn off the light?
I always turn off my phone at night.
Turn off the faucet tightly.
高速道路を外れる。
Turn off the highway.