Quick answer
消 is the kanji for "Extinguish". A common reading is き.える (kieru). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Extinguish
Also : Cancel · Blow out · Turn off · Neutralize
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 消 represents 'EXTINGUISH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of extinguish.
On-reading: しょう — sounds like 'sho' in 'show'. Kun-reading: き.える.
Example Sentences
電気を消して寝ました。
でんきをけしてねました。
I turned off the light and went to sleep.
心配が消えました。
しんぱいがきえました。
The worry disappeared.
Vocabulary using 消
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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