What is the difference between "けす" and "消す"?

"けす" means "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" (N5), whereas "消す" represents "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish (transitive)" (N4).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "けす (kesu)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

けす (kesu)

N5 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

けす (kesu)

N4 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "けす (kesu)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

けす (Level: N5): Translates to "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" and is used when Transitive verb. The opposite of つける.
消す (Level: N4): Maps to "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish (transitive)" and carries the nuance of A transitive verb meaning to turn something off, erase, or extinguish. It requires an object.

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "けす"

電気を消してください。

Please turn off the light.

Bilingual Context for "消す"

部屋を出るときは電気を消してください。

Please turn off the light when you leave the room.

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "電気を消してください。" (Meaning: "Please turn off the light.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "けす" is used for "to turn off, to erase, to extinguish" in the context: "Please turn off the light.".