マイナス

• Reading: マイナス
• Romaji: mainasu
• Pronunciation: /ma.i.na.sɯ/

Meaning

Minus; negative; a disadvantage. Used for subtraction, negative numbers, and drawbacks.

A loanword from English 'minus' functioning as a noun, suru verb, and prefix. マイナスする means to subtract. Common uses: マイナス五度 (minus 5 degrees), マイナスイメージ (negative image), マイナス面 (disadvantage/downside). The opposite is プラス. Widely used in everyday, business, and academic Japanese.

Examples

1. 今朝の気温はマイナス三度だった。 The temperature this morning was minus three degrees.
2. 残業が多いのはこの仕事のマイナス面だ。 The heavy overtime is a downside of this job.
3. 無理なダイエットは健康にマイナスになる。 Extreme dieting has a negative effect on your health.

Usage Guide

Context: mathematics, weather, evaluation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'minus,' which derives from Latin 'minus' meaning 'less.' Entered Japanese alongside プラス during the Meiji era with Western mathematics.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal