利き
Meanings
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.
Check the efficacy of the new treatment.
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).
I'm right-handed, so I write with my right hand.
There's a simple test to check your dominant eye.
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)
He is a master of sake tasting.
I participated in a tea tasting event.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉の利きがいい~ is effective / works well
This medicine is very effective.
- 利きが早いto take effect quickly
This painkiller takes effect fast.
Expressions
- 口の利き方the way one talks; one's way of speaking