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Kanji 耗: meanings, readings, and example words.

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Kanji 耗: decrease

Key takeaways

Kanji 耗: decrease. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

耗
N1

Meaning

decrease

On reading

モウコウ

Radical

耒

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 耗

decrease

Kanji structure breakdown

耗

Structure breakdown

耒 + 毛

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

When using a plow (耒) to till the field, hair-like (毛) weeds are cleared away and the tool itself gradually wears down. This represents the act of resources decreasing or being consumed. Remember this kanji through words like consumption (消耗) or wear and tear (摩耗).

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

モウ
  • 消耗しょうこう

    exhaustion / consumption

  • 消耗しょうもう

    exhaustion / consumption

Commonly used words

  • 消耗
    しょうこう

    exhaustion / consumption

  • 消耗
    しょうもう

    exhaustion / consumption

Example sentences

Example 1

運動で体力を消耗した。

Translation

I used up my energy through exercise.

Example 2

電池の消耗が早いです。

Translation

The battery drains quickly.

Example 3

長時間の仕事で体力が消耗した。

Translation

My strength was exhausted after working long hours.

Example 4

資源の消耗を防ぐ工夫が必要だ。

Translation

We need to find ways to prevent resource consumption.

Kanji 耗: decrease | Daily Nihongo