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効き目 (ききめ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Meanings 1
noun
effect ; efficacy ; result
Refers to the tangible effect or effectiveness of something, such as medicine, a method, or an action. Often used in the phrase 効き目がある (to be effective).
き
き
目め
が
あっ
た
。
His advice was effective.
2
noun
dominant eye
Only when written 利き目
Refers to the eye that the brain prefers for visual input. Typically written 利き目. Used in contexts like eye tests or sports.
Written forms 効き き 目め Usage 94%
Standard kanji spelling for 'effect/efficacy'. High priority.
利き き 目め Usage 3%
Used specifically for 'dominant eye'. Also acceptable for 'effect' but less common.
効きき 目め Usage 2%
キキメ Usage 1%
Kanji 効 merit, efficacy, efficiency 利 profit, advantage, benefit Similar words 効こう 果か 効果 is a more formal and general term for 'effect' or 'result', often used in scientific or business contexts. 効き目 is more colloquial and emphasizes tangible, immediate effectiveness.
効こう 能のう 効能 refers specifically to the beneficial effects or efficacy of something, especially medicine or health products. 効き目 is broader and can refer to any kind of effect, positive or negative.
Etymology Compound of 効き (kiki, 'effectiveness', from verb 効く kiku) + 目 (me, 'mark' or 'point'). The 目 here indicates a tangible result or point of effect. The spelling 利き目 for 'dominant eye' uses 利く (kiku, 'to be effective/functional') in the sense of 'functioning well'.
