Quick answer
減 is the kanji for "Reduce". The most common reading is へ.る (heru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Reduce
Also : Dwindle · Decline · Decrease
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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
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 減 represents 'DWINDLE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of dwindle.
On-reading: げん — remember this sound by associating it with dwindle. Kun-reading: へ.る.
Example Sentences
体重を減らすために運動しています。
たいじゅうをへらすためにうんどうしています。
I exercise to lose weight.
CO2の削減が重要です。
CO2のさくげんがじゅうようです。
CO2 reduction is important.
Vocabulary using 減
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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