効果

• Reading: こうか
• Romaji: kouka
• Kanji breakdown: 効 (kō) — effect, merit; 果 (ka) — fruit, result
• Pronunciation: /koː.ka/

Meaning

Effect; effectiveness; efficacy; result. The outcome or impact of an action or treatment.

A noun describing the result or impact produced by something. Common in discussions about medicine, exercise, studying methods, and policies. Often modified by がある (has an effect), が出る (shows effect), or 的 (effective, as an adjective). A versatile word used across casual and formal registers.

Examples

1. この薬は風邪に効果があります。 This medicine is effective for colds.
2. 毎日の練習の効果が少しずつ出てきました。 The effects of daily practice are gradually showing.
3. ダイエットに効果的な方法を探しています。 I'm looking for an effective method for dieting.

Usage Guide

Context: health, education, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Combines 効 (effect/merit) and 果 (fruit/result). The image is of bearing fruit — producing tangible results from effort or action.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal