Translation and Meaning of: 控除 - koujyo

The Japanese word 控除 [こうじょ] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in everyday life and bureaucracy in Japan. If you have come across this term in documents or conversations, you know that it is directly related to discounts, deductions, or subtractions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical use, and how it fits into Japanese culture, especially in financial and legal contexts. Suki Nihongo, your trusted Japanese dictionary, has gathered essential information for those who want to master this vocabulary.

Meaning and use of 控除 [こうじょ]

控除 [こうじょ] is a noun that means "deduction," "discount," or "subtraction." It is often used in financial contexts, such as tax returns, payroll, and contracts. Imagine receiving your salary and seeing that part of it has been "控除された" (koujo sareta) – that is, deducted for taxes or social security contributions. This is the most common scenario where the word appears.

In addition to the corporate environment, 控除 can also be used in everyday situations, such as adjustments to the prices of services or products. For example, if a store offers a discount for payment in full, that deduction may be referred to as 控除. However, its more technical and formal use prevails, especially in official documents.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji for 控除 is composed of two characters: 控 (kou), which carries the idea of "holding" or "retaining," and 除 (jo), which means "removing" or "eliminating." Together, they form the image of something being held back or subtracted, perfectly reflecting the meaning of the word. This combination is not random – it follows the logic of Japanese to combine kanji to create precise .

It is worth noting that 控 alone can appear in words like 控える (hikaeru), which means "to abstain" or "to contain," while 除 appears in like 除去 (jokyo), "removal." Understanding these radicals helps to memorize 控除 and recognize it in other contexts. This breakdown is useful for students who want to expand their vocabulary in a structured way.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to solidify 控除 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of receipts, paychecks, or even discounts on online purchases – whenever you see a reduction in value, that こうじょ is behind it. Writing down sentences like "給料から税金が控除される" (The tax is deducted from the salary) also helps internalize the term.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanjis 控 and 除 in other contexts. By studying words like 控えめ (modest) or 掃除 (cleaning), you reinforce familiarity with the components of 控除. This contextual learning method is especially valuable for those who want to avoid confusion with similar , like 割引 (commercial discount) or 値引き (price reduction).

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 控除 (koujo) - Tax discount or income deduction.
• 減税 (genzei) - Tax reduction.
• 免除 (menjo) - Exemption or forgiveness of obligations, such as taxes.