効きく

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

be effective; take effect; work

Used for medicine, treatments, measures, and abstract effects. Often with 薬, 治療, 方法, etc. Typically written 効く.

See also: 薬が効く

• この薬くすりはよく効きく。

  This medicine works well.

• 彼かれのアドバイスが効きいた。

  His advice was effective.

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

function well; work (senses/body)

Only when written 利く

Describes bodily senses, faculties, or functions working properly. Common with 目, 耳, 鼻, 口, 頭, etc. Usually written 利く.

See also: 目が利く

• 彼かれは目めが利きくから、いい品しなを見みつける。

  He has a good eye, so he finds good items.

• 風邪かぜで鼻はなが利きかない。

  My nose doesn't work because of a cold.

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

be possible; be able to use

Only when written 利く

Used in set phrases like 割引が利く (discount applies), 融通が利く (flexible), 無理が利く (can push oneself). Indicates that a condition or allowance is in effect. Usually written 利く.

See also: 割引が効く

• この店みせでは学がく生せい割わり引びきが利きく。

  A student discount applies at this store.

• 彼かれは融ゆう通ずうが利きかない。

  He is inflexible.

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

taste (alcohol); try (alcohol)

Transitive use meaning to taste or try alcohol. Often used in the form 酒を利く. Less common than 味見する or 試飲する in everyday speech.

See also: 聞く

• 彼かれは酒さけを利きくのが趣しゅ味みだ。

  His hobby is tasting sake.