General term for how well something works, especially medicine, treatments, or methods. 効き is common for medicinal contexts.
この薬はよく効きが現れる。
This medicine shows its effectiveness quickly.
新しい治療
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).
私は右利きなので、右手で字を書く。
I'm right-handed, so I write with my right hand.
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)
彼は利き酒の達人だ。
He is a master of sake tasting.
This medicine is very effective.
Check the efficacy of the new treatment.
There's a simple test to check your dominant eye.
利き茶の会に参加した。
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