Translation and Meaning of: 消耗 - shoukou

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 消耗 (しょうこう). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more technical texts. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it is used in Japan. Additionally, we will see practical tips to memorize it and understand its role in Japanese culture.

消耗 is one of those words that, although not extremely common, carries significant weight in certain situations. Whether to describe the wear of objects or physical and mental exhaustion, it is useful in various scenarios. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to help you master terms like this in a clear and straightforward manner.

Meaning and usage of 消耗

消耗 (しょうこう) can be translated as "consumption," "wear," or "exhaustion." It is often used to refer to the gradual reduction of something, whether a material resource like batteries or supplies, or something more abstract, like energy or patience. For example, in a daily context, you might hear someone say they are "energy 消耗した" (exhausted) after an intense day of work.

In the business context, this word also appears in discussions about resource management. Companies talk about "消耗品" (consumables) or "エネルギー消耗" (energy consumption). The versatility of the term makes it applicable in both practical situations and more subjective expressions.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 消耗 is made up of two kanji: 消 (しょう), which means "to disappear" or "to extinguish," and 耗 (こう), which carries the idea of "expenditure" or "loss." Together, they reinforce the concept of something that dwindles or diminishes over time. This combination is not random; it effectively reflects the sense of progressive wear and tear that the word conveys.

It is worth noting that 耗 is a kanji not frequently encountered in daily life, appearing mainly in terms like 消耗品 (consumables) or 消耗戦 (war of attrition). Its more restricted use may make memorization difficult, but understanding its composition helps to solidify the meaning of 消耗 as a whole.

Tips to memorize and use 消耗

An effective way to remember 消耗 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of something that "disappears" or "diminishes" with use, like a phone battery or your energy after a workout. This mental link between the term and real examples helps with retention. Another tip is to practice with sentences like "この仕事は体力を消耗する" (This job consumes physical energy).

Additionally, paying attention to compounds like 消耗品 (disposable items) or 精神消耗 (mental exhaustion) helps to expand vocabulary. These expressions are useful not only for Japanese language learners but also for those who want to communicate more accurately in work or while traveling in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 消費 (shōhi) - Consumption
• 消費する (shōhi suru) - Consume
• 消費量 (shōhi-ryō) - Amount consumed
• 消費財 (shōhi-zai) - Consumer products
• 消耗品 (shōmōhin) - Consumable or disposable items
• 消耗 (shōmō) - Wear, exhaustion
• 消耗する (shōmō suru) - Wear out
• 消耗度 (shōmō-do) - Level of wear
• 消耗戦 (shōmō-sen) - War of attrition
• 消耗性 (shōmō-sei) - Consumable nature
• 消耗性疾患 (shōmō-sei shikkan) - Chronic illnesses that wear you down
• 消耗品費 (shōmōhin-hi) - Expenses with consumable items
• 消耗戦術 (shōmō senjutsu) - Wearing down tactics
• 消耗戦略 (shōmō senryaku) - Wear-down strategies
• 消耗戦法 (shōmō senpō) - Wear methods
• 消耗戦闘 (shōmō sentō) - War of attrition
• 消耗戦力 (shōmō senryoku) - Wear power
• 消耗戦略家 (shōmō senryaku-ka) - Wear strategy
• 消耗戦略思考 (shōmō senryaku shikō) - Strategic wear-and-tear thinking
• 消耗戦略思想 (shōmō senryaku shisō) - Ideology of attrition strategy
• 消耗戦略思考法 (shōmō senryaku shikōhō) - Wear-out strategic thinking methods
• 消耗戦略思考力 (shōmō senryaku shikō-ryoku) - Ability to wear down strategic thinking

消耗

Romaji: shoukou
Kana: しょうこう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: exhaustion; consumption

Meaning in English: exhaustion;consumption

Definition: To end and disappear.

Example Sentences - (消耗) shoukou

See below some example sentences:

消耗品は定期的に補充する必要があります。

Shoumouhin wa teikiteki ni hokan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

The consumable items need to be refilled regularly.

Consumables must be replenished regularly.

• 消耗品 (shoumouhin) - consumable products
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 定期的に (teikiteki ni) - periodically
• 補充する (hojyuu suru) - refuel
• 必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) - Is required