1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “効” (kō) generally means “effect,” “efficacy,” or “to be effective.” It conveys the idea of producing a result or having a beneficial impact.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “効” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “to go” (行) and the phonetic component “交” (kō), which contributes to its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical of “効” is 行 (to go), which often relates to actions or movement.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “効” are:
- 効能 (こうのう, kōnō) – efficacy, effect
- 効果 (こうか, kōka) – effect, effectiveness
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この薬はすごく効くよ。 (このくすりはすごくきくよ。) – This medicine is very effective.
- 運動は健康に良い効能がある。 (うんどうはけんこうによいこうのうがある。) – Exercise has beneficial effects on health.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “効果” (こうか, kōka), which also means “effect” but emphasizes the result of an action rather than the inherent efficacy.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym is “無効” (むこう, mukō), meaning “invalid” or “ineffective,” which indicates a lack of effect or efficacy.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “効” is significant in Japanese culture, especially in the context of traditional medicine and practices that emphasize the effectiveness of remedies and actions.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common saying is “効を奏する” (こうをそうする, kō o sō suru), which means “to produce an effect” or “to be effective,” often used to describe successful outcomes in various endeavors.