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On'yomi
コウ
KOU
Kun'yomi
き.く・ききめ・なら.う
kiku / kikime / narau

merit · efficacy · efficiency · benefit

Details

Strokes8
Frequency#538
Radicalpower(2)
Old Form

Stroke Order

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Strokes8

Component Breakdown

=

交 + power

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of cross and power. Effect of crossing power.

Symbolism

Effect, efficiency, effective. Represents effectiveness.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

効果覿面

こうかてきめん

having an immediate effect; taking immediate effect; having an immediate effect

相乗効果

そうじょうこうか

synergy; synergy

薬石無効

やくせきむこう

neither medicines nor medical care having little effect on a patient; 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; ripple 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

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?

Yes. 効 (merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for merit · kanji for efficacy · kanji for benefit