Explore 減 in words about quantities and change. Learn each reading with its whole word.
The idea
減 has 12 strokes; follow the linked diagram. 減る（へる） means to decrease, 減らす（へらす） to reduce, and 減少（げんしょう） means a decrease.
| Word | Reading |
|---|---|
| 減る | へる |
| 減らす | へらす |
| 減少 | げんしょう |
Examples
- この町の人口が減りました。The population of this town has decreased.
- 砂糖の量を減らしました。I reduced the amount of sugar.
- 去年、乗客の数が減少しました。The number of passengers decreased last year.
- ごみを減らすために取り組んでいます。We are working to reduce waste.
- 貯金が少し減りました。My savings have decreased a little.
- 塩の量を減らしてください。Please reduce the amount of salt.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No Japanese device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
With 減る, the quantity that decreases takes が; with 減らす, the quantity reduced takes を. Do not use the two verbs interchangeably.
Try it yourself
Write the reading of 減る in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
へる
減る is へる: it describes something decreasing, as in a town’s population.
Write the reading of 減少 in hiragana.
Show answer or example answer
げんしょう
減少 is げんしょう: this noun can combine with する to mean decrease.
Choose the verb: 砂糖の量を＿。［減らします／減ります］
Show answer or example answer
減らします
減らします is correct because を marks the amount someone reduces; 減ります describes the amount decreasing.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Japanese sentences where available. We keep your score.
Write the reading of 減る in hiragana.
Write the reading of 減少 in hiragana.
Choose the verb: 砂糖の量を＿。［減らします／減ります］
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Write 減 using the diagram, cover the table, and read the three words. Make one sentence about a quantity changing.