消去

しょうきょ

elimination, erasing

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"消去" (しょうきょ) means "elimination" or "erasing," often used in contexts involving deleting data, removing information, or erasing memories. It is a formal noun and can be used as a verb when combined with する (消去する).

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in technology (e.g., deleting files or data), psychology (erasing memories or feelings), and everyday situations where something is removed or erased.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 消去する: to erase or delete something.
  • 完全に消去する: to completely erase.
  • 記憶を消去する: to erase memories.

Register and Nuance

"消去" is a formal term, often seen in written language, manuals, or technical contexts. In casual conversation, people might use 消す (けす) instead.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 消去 with 消す. 消去 implies a more complete or official removal, while 消す is more general and casual for "turning off" or "erasing." Use 消去 when emphasizing thorough deletion or elimination.

Example Sentences

ぱそこんのでーたをかんぜんにしょうきょするほうほうをおしえてください。

Please tell me how to completely erase data from the computer.

きおくからいやなおもいでをしょうきょしたい。

I want to erase unpleasant memories from my mind.

このあぷりはまちがってにゅうりょくしたもじをかんたんにしょうきょできます。

This app allows you to easily erase mistakenly entered characters.