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A setting on electronic devices that reduces power consumption by limiting performance or features.
このテレビは省エネモードで年間100キロワット時節約できます。
This TV can save 100 kilowatt-hours annually in energy-saving mode.
省エネモードではバックライトが暗くなります。
In energy-saving mode, the backlight dims.
Commonly used in consumer electronics (TVs, air conditioners, computers) and household appliances.
Think of 省エネ as '省く' (to save/reduce) + 'エネルギー' (energy), combined with 'モード' (mode). The kanji 省 means 'omit' or 'reduce', which hints at its energy-saving purpose.
Use this term when referring to electronic devices' built-in power-saving settings. Avoid using it for manual energy-saving behaviors (e.g., turning off lights).
省エネ (shō ene) is a contraction of 省エネルギー (shō enerugī, 'energy conservation') + モード (mōdo, 'mode'). The term emerged in the 1990s with the rise of energy-efficient appliances and was popularized in Japanese consumer electronics marketing.
The term is widely understood in Japan but may require explanation in contexts where energy-saving features are less common. In English, 'power-saving mode' is also used but 'energy-saving mode' is more natural for devices with significant power draw (e.g., air conditioners).