効力(こうりょく)

こうりょく
noun
efficacy, validity, legal force
1. efficacy, effect, validity
The power or ability of something to produce an intended effect. Often used in legal and official contexts to mean 'validity' or 'legal force' of a document, law, or agreement.
この薬(くすり)は効力(こうりょく)がある。
This medicine is effective.
契約(けいやく)の効力(こうりょく)は来月(らいげつ)から発生(はっせい)する。
The contract takes effect starting next month.
この法律(ほうりつ)はすでに効力(こうりょく)を失(うしな)っている。
This law has already lost its validity.

Commonly used in legal, regulatory, and pharmaceutical contexts. Compared to 効果(こうか) (effect, result), 効力(こうりょく) emphasizes the inherent power or force something possesses, especially in an official or binding sense.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 効力(こうりょく)がある — to be effective, to be valid
  • 効力(こうりょく)を失(うしな)う — to lose validity/efficacy
  • 効力(こうりょく)を発揮(はっき)する — to exert its effect
  • 効力(こうりょく)が発生(はっせい)する — to take effect
  • 法的(ほうてき)効力(こうりょく) — legal force/validity
general
Added 2026.2.18 21:22
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