余す

• Reading: あます
• Romaji: amasu
• Kanji breakdown: 余 (yo/ama) — surplus, remainder, left over
• Pronunciation: /a.ma.sɯ/

Meaning

To leave over; to have remaining; to spare. Often used in the set phrase 余すところなく (thoroughly, without leaving anything out).

A Group 1 (godan) verb. 余す in its basic sense means to leave something unused or unconsumed. In practice, it is most often encountered in the negative or idiomatic form 余すことなく or 余すところなく, which express the idea of thoroughness — doing something completely without leaving any remainder. The verb can also describe simply having a surplus or leaving food on the plate.

Examples

1. 職人は素材を余すことなく使い切り、無駄を一切出さなかった。 The craftsman used every part of the material without leaving anything over, producing absolutely no waste.
2. 監督は選手の才能を余すところなく引き出し、チームを優勝に導いた。 The coach drew out every ounce of the players' talent, leading the team to victory.
3. 締め切りまで時間を余すことなく作業に充て、最高の仕上がりを目指した。 Every moment until the deadline was devoted to the work, aiming for the finest possible result.

Usage Guide

Context: business, literature, daily life, craftsmanship

Tone: thorough

Origin & History

From 余 (yo), meaning surplus or remainder. The verb suffix す (suru) gives it a transitive sense — actively causing something to remain. Related to 余る (to be left over), of which 余す is the transitive counterpart.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: General