波及効果(はきゅうこうか)

A compound of 波及(はきゅう) (spreading, rippling) and 効果(こうか) (effect). Describes how the impact of an event or action spreads outward to affect other areas.

Etymology

• 波及(はきゅう): spreading influence (from 波(なみ), wave)
• 効果(こうか): effect, result

Common patterns

• 波及効果(はきゅうこうか)が大(おお)きい: the ripple effect is large
• 波及効果(はきゅうこうか)が期待(きたい)される: ripple effects are expected
• 波及効果(はきゅうこうか)を及(およ)ぼす: to have ripple effects
• 波及効果(はきゅうこうか)が広(ひろ)がる: ripple effects spread

Related words

• 相乗効果(そうじょうこうか): synergistic effect
• 連鎖反応(れんさはんのう): chain reaction
• 副次的(ふくじてき)効果(こうか): secondary effect

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Formal. Commonly used in news, economics, and policy discussions.