How to say "erase" in Japanese

• 消すけすJLPT N5approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe everyday word for erasing something physically — rubbing out pencil marks, wiping a whiteboard, or crossing out written text. This is the word you want for literal erasing.
• 消し去るけしさるCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbTo erase or eradicate something thoroughly, so that it is completely gone rather than merely removed from view. Suited to eliminating traces, stains, or unwanted things entirely.
• 拭うぬぐうCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbBest for figurative erasing: wiping away an impression, feeling, shame, or disgrace. It is seldom the word you want for literal erasing of writing or marks; use it when dispelling something intangible.

Use 「消す」 for physically erasing writing or marks, 「消し去る」 for erasing something completely so it is gone, and 「拭う」 only figuratively, for wiping out feelings, shame, or impressions.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 消すけすto erase
• 消し去るけしさるto get rid of
• かき消すかきけすto erase
• 拭き消すふきけすto wipe out
• 拭い去るぬぐいさるto rub out
• 削るけずるto delete
• 拭うぬぐうto get rid of (an impression, feeling, blemish, etc.)