効(き)く

きく
verb (godan)
to be effective, to work
1. to be effective, to work
To have the intended effect or result.
薬(くすり)が効(き)く。
The medicine is working.
冷房(れいぼう)が効(き)いている。
The air conditioning is on.
ブレーキがよく効(き)く。
The brakes work well.
注射(ちゅうしゃ)が効(き)いてきた。
The injection is starting to work.
暖房(だんぼう)が効(き)いている。
The heating is working.
麻酔(ますい)が効(き)いてきた。
The anesthesia is taking effect.
2. to be possible, to be able to
To be able to function or be done.
融通(ゆうずう)が効(き)く。
To be flexible.
小回(こまわ)りが効(き)く。
It's maneuverable.
無理(むり)が効(き)く体(からだ)だ。
It's a body that can handle strain.
応用(おうよう)が効(き)く技術(ぎじゅつ)だ。
It's a versatile skill.
時間(じかん)の融通(ゆうずう)が効(き)く仕事(しごと)だ。
It's a job with flexible hours.

効(き)く means to be effective or work.

DON'T CONFUSE:

  • 効(き)く: to be effective
  • 聞(き)く: to listen, hear, ask
  • 利(き)く: to work, function

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 気(き)が利(き)く: to be attentive/thoughtful
  • 融通(ゆうずう)が利(き)く: to be flexible
  • ブレーキが効(き)く: brakes work
core
Added 2026.1.9 21:17 · Revised 2026.2.20 11:58
01500/01932_kiku