薬の効力

• Reading: くすりのこうりょく
• Romaji: kusuri no kouryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 薬 (kusuri/yaku) — medicine, drug; 効 (kou) — effect, efficacy; 力 (ryoku/chikara) — power, strength
• Pronunciation: /kɯ.sɯ.ɾi.no.koː.ɾʲo.kɯ/

Meaning

Efficacy of medication; the effectiveness or potency of a medicine.

A compound noun phrase combining 薬 (kusuri, medicine) with 効力 (kouryoku, efficacy/potency). Used to discuss how well a drug works, how long its effects last, or whether it has lost potency. Common in medical consultations, pharmacy conversations, and health articles. Related expressions include 薬が効く (the medicine works) and 効力がある (to have efficacy).

Examples

1. この薬の効力は飲んでから三十分ほどで現れます。 The effects of this medicine will appear about thirty minutes after taking it.
2. 古くなった薬は効力が落ちている可能性がある。 Old medication may have reduced efficacy.
3. 薬の効力について薬剤師に相談した。 I consulted with the pharmacist about the effectiveness of the medicine.

Usage Guide

Context: pharmacy, medical, health

Tone: informative

Origin & History

Compound of 薬 (kusuri, medicine) + の (possessive particle) + 効力 (kouryoku: 効 'effect' + 力 'power'). Literally 'the effective power of medicine.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal