効
merit · efficacy · efficiency · benefit
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of cross and power. Effect of crossing power.
Symbolism
Effect, efficiency, effective. Represents effectiveness.
Component Breakdown
交 + power
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
効果覿面
こうかてきめん
having an immediate effect; taking immediate effect
相乗効果
そうじょうこうか
synergy
薬石無効
やくせきむこう
neither medicines nor medical care having little effect on a patient
波及効果
はきゅうこうか
ripple effect; spillover effect; propagation effect
Proverbs & Idioms
効果は時間が証明する
こうかはじかんがしょうめいする
Time proves effectiveness
Results become clear over time
Anime & Manga
追放されたチート付与魔術師は気ままなセカンドライフを謳歌する。 ～俺は武器だけじゃなく、あらゆるものに『強化ポイント』を付与できるし、俺の意思でいつでも効果を解除できるけど、残った人たち大丈夫？～
The Laid-Off Cheat-Granting Mage Enjoys a Second Lease on Life
A well-known work with 効 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 効 mean in Japanese?
効 means merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit.
How do you read 効?
On'yomi: コウ (KOU). Kun'yomi: き.く、ききめ、なら.う (kiku, kikime, narau).
How many strokes does 効 have?
効 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 力 (power).
Is 効 a good kanji for a tattoo?
効 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.