Translation guide
The English word "effect" covers a wide range of meanings, from the result of an action to a special visual or audio technique. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
The medicine had an immediate effect.
The outcome or change produced by a cause.
The most common and general word for a positive or intended effect, result, or efficacy.
This medicine takes effect quickly.
Measure the effect of the new policy.
Influence or impact, often broader and can be negative or neutral. Used for effects on people, society, or environment.
Result or outcome, often used in a cause-and-effect context. More neutral than 効果.
Action or effect, often used in scientific or technical contexts (e.g., chemical effect, side effect).
A technique used in film, video, or sound to create an illusion or enhance production.
The state of being operative or valid, as in a law or agreement.
Legal effect, validity, or force. Used for laws, contracts, and regulations.
Items of property; personal possessions.
Personal effects or belongings, often used in formal or legal contexts.
The overall feeling or visual impact created by something.
Can also refer to the effect or impression something gives, especially in design or presentation.
効果 (kouka) is typically a positive, intended effect or efficacy. 影響 (eikyou) is influence or impact, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. Use 効果 for results you aim for, and 影響 for broader consequences.
I became healthy as an effect of exercise.
The new law will take effect next month.
施行 (shikou) means enforcement or putting into effect.
温暖化の影響で気温が上昇している。
Temperatures are rising due to the effects of global warming.
I became a doctor under the influence of my parents.
As a result of my efforts, I passed.
Side effects of this medicine include drowsiness.
Loanword from English, used for special effects in movies, music, and digital media.
The special effects in this movie are amazing.
Formal term for special effects, often abbreviated as SFX.
The special effects team created a realistic explosion.
Sound effects, specifically for audio.
I'm in charge of sound effects for the game.
This law will take effect next year.
Coming into effect, often used as a noun or verb (発効する).
The treaty will come into effect next month.
All his personal effects were confiscated.
Effects left by a deceased person; belongings of the dead.
Sort through my grandmother's effects.
The lighting effect makes the room look larger.
Direction or production; the effect created by staging, lighting, etc., in theater or film.
The staging had a powerful effect on the audience.
台風の影響で電車が止まった。
Trains stopped due to the effect of the typhoon.
English uses 'effect' in many set phrases (e.g., 'take effect', 'in effect') that have specific Japanese equivalents. Avoid literal translation; learn the natural Japanese phrase instead.
このゲームの音響効果は素晴らしい。
The sound effects in this game are amazing.