extinguish · disappear

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 消 has 10 strokes and describes something disappearing or being removed.
• Basic usage: 消す is read けす, and 消える is read きえる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Removing something and its disappearance
  • 明かりを消しました describes someone turning off a light.
  • ろうそくの火が風で消える describes a candle flame going out because of the wind.
• Erasing and turning off
  • 文字を消す means erasing writing. 消す should not be translated as ‘turn off’ for every object.