How to say "minus" in Japanese

• マイナスJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe word for the minus sign, negative numbers and subtraction — 'minus five', 'five minus three'. Use it whenever 'minus' is about arithmetic or taking one number away from another.
• 負ふCommon
  no-adjectiveThe 'negative' of mathematics — negative numbers and values, the counterpart of 正 'positive'. It has a written, technical feel; in speech マイナス is the usual choice for 'minus'.
  あ、あれ？なんか・・・すっごい負ふのオーラを感かんじますよ？↗

  E-eh? I somehow seem to feel a very threatening aura...
• デメリットCommon
  nounThe figurative 'minus': a disadvantage, drawback or bad point of a plan, product or choice. When 'minus' means a con rather than the sign or a negative number, this is the word.
  デメリットが多おおすぎます。↗

  It has too many disadvantages.

Use 「マイナス」 for the minus sign, negative numbers and subtraction, 負 for 'negative' in mathematical or written contexts, and 「デメリット」 when 'minus' figuratively means a drawback or disadvantage.

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

• マイナスminus
• 負ふnegative
• デメリットdisadvantage