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N2

Kanji 効: meanings, readings, and example words.

2 min read

Kanji 効: merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit

Key takeaways

Kanji 効: merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N2

Meaning

meritefficacyefficiencybenefit

On reading

コウ

Kun reading

き.くききめなら.う

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 効

merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

交 + 力

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

When different forces intersect (交) and combine their power (力), they produce a significant effect. Imagine the synergy of interacting powers creating efficiency.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

コウ
  • 効率こうりつ

    efficiency / productivity

  • 無効むこう

    invalid / no effect

  • 効力こうりょく

    effect / validity / power

  • 効果こうか

    effect / result / efficacy

  • 有効ゆうこう

    validity / effectiveness / availability

Kun reading

き.く
  • 効き目ききめ

    effect / efficacy / result

  • 効くきく

    to be effective

Commonly used words

  • 効率
    こうりつ

    efficiency / productivity

  • 無効
    むこう

    invalid / no effect

  • 効力
    こうりょく

    effect / validity / power

  • 効果
    こうか

    effect / result / efficacy

  • 有効
    ゆうこう

    validity / effectiveness / availability

  • 効き目
    ききめ

    effect / efficacy / result

  • 効く
    きく

    to be effective

Example sentences

Example 1

この薬のき目は早いです。

Translation

The effect of this medicine is fast.

Example 2

彼の言葉には強いき目がある。

Translation

His words have a strong impact.

Example 3

率よく仕事を終わらせた。

Translation

I finished the work efficiently.

Example 4

率を上げるために工夫した。

Translation

I devised ways to improve efficiency.

Kanji 効: merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit | Daily Nihongo