効: the kanji for effect; be effective
効 is a JLPT N2 kanji that means effect; be effective. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
効 is written in 8 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
効 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 4 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
コウ (kou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 効果こうか · kōka | effect |
| 有効ゆうこう · yūkō | valid; effective |
| 効率こうりつ · kōritsu | efficiency |
きく (kiku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 効くきく · kiku | to work; to be effective |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この薬はよく効く。Kono kusuri wa yoku kiku.This medicine works well.
- 運動はストレス解消に効果がある。Undō wa sutoresu kaishō ni kōka ga aru.Exercise is effective for relieving stress.
- このチケットは今月末まで有効です。Kono chiketto wa kongetsumatsu made yūkō desu.This ticket is valid until the end of this month.
- 効率よく仕事を進めたい。Kōritsu yoku shigoto o susumetai.I want to work efficiently.
- この部屋は冷房がよく効いている。Kono heya wa reibō ga yoku kiite iru.The air conditioning works well in this room.
Questions about 効
How many strokes does 効 have?
効 is written in 8 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 効?
The on readings are kou (コウ). The kun readings are kiku (きく).
What JLPT level is 効?
N2. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N2 is designed to match the former Level 2.
More JLPT N2 kanji
Qualities and conditions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 効
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.