synonym Comparative
減る
VS
減少する
Differences Between "減る" and "減少する"
Option A
減る
Meaning
to decrease (intransitive)
Reading
へる (heru)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
冬になると、昼の時間が減ります。
In winter, the daylight hours decrease.
Option B
減少する
Meaning
to decrease, to reduce, to decline
Reading
げんしょうする (genshou suru)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
若者の人口が年々減少している。
The population of young people is decreasing year by year.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(to decrease (intransitive))"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 減る: Intransitive verb. Something decreases by itself. The transitive verb is 減らす (herasu). Often describes quantities, numbers, or amounts.
- 減少する: Used for numbers, amounts, populations, etc. It is the opposite of '増加する' and is often used in formal contexts, reports, or news. (数や量、人口などが減る場合に使われます。「増加する」の反対の意味で、報告書やニュースなどでよく用いられます。)
- 減る: Intransitive verb. Something decreases by itself. The transitive verb is 減らす (herasu). Often describes quantities, numbers, or amounts.
- 減少する: Used for numbers, amounts, populations, etc. It is the opposite of '増加する' and is often used in formal contexts, reports, or news. (数や量、人口などが減る場合に使われます。「増加する」の反対の意味で、報告書やニュースなどでよく用いられます。)
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!