General term for how well something works, especially medicine, treatments, or methods. 効き is common for medicinal contexts.
This medicine shows its effectiveness quickly.
noun, used as a suffix, noun, used as a prefix
dominance (of hand, eye, etc.)
Only when written 利き
Used as a prefix or suffix to indicate which side is dominant, e.g., 利き手 (dominant hand), 右利き (right-handed).
Only when written 利き
Refers to the act of tasting to judge quality, often used in contexts like sake tasting (利き酒) or tea tasting (利き茶).
See also: 聞き (きき)
This medicine is very effective.
Check the efficacy of the new treatment.
I'm right-handed, so I write with my right hand.
There's a simple test to check your dominant eye.
He is a master of sake tasting.
I participated in a tea tasting event.
This painkiller takes effect fast.
効果 is a broad term for any effect or result, whereas 利き specifically points to the degree of effectiveness, especially of medicine or drink.
聞き (from 聞く, to hear/listen) sounds identical to 利き but means hearing, not effectiveness or dominance.
left-handedness; left-handed person; left-hander · fondness for alcohol; drinker; person fond of alcohol
dominant hand · skilled person; person of ability
judgment; connoisseurship; connoisseur
highly skilled; very capable; competent · expert; master-hand; person of ability
dominant arm; one's stronger arm
mediation; intercession; go-between · influential person; person whose word carries weight · way of speaking; eloquence; eloquent person
ambidexterity; ambidextrous person
effective spot; pressure point · key point; important point
General kanji spelling for effectiveness, dominance, and tasting senses.
Often used specifically for medicinal or therapeutic effectiveness.
Derived from the verb 利く (きく, 'to be effective'). The kanji 利 suggests advantage or benefit, while 効 emphasizes medicinal efficacy.
dominant foot
sake tasting; wine tasting
right-handedness; right-handed person
tasting; sampling · taster; connoisseur
influential person; person of influence
skill; mastery; dexterity
well-known face; influential person; big wheel