1.
to be effective, to work, to take effect
Describes something functioning properly or producing the intended effect. Used for medicine, brakes, air conditioning, seasoning, etc.
この薬はよく利く。
This medicine works well.
エアコンが利いていて涼しい。
The air conditioning is working and it's cool.
古い車なのでブレーキの利きが悪い。
It's an old car, so the brakes don't work well.
2.
to be possible, to be able to do
Indicates that something can be done or is available as an option. Often used in the pattern ～が利く.
融通が利く人だ。
He's a flexible person.
この店はカードが利く。
This store accepts cards.
小回りが利くので狭い道でも大丈夫だ。
It's maneuverable, so even narrow roads are fine.
Written with the kanji 利く to distinguish from the homophones 聞く (to listen/ask) and 効く (to be effective — more focused on medicinal or chemical effects). In practice, 利く and 効く overlap considerably for sense 1, but 利く covers the broader meaning of functioning or being available.
CONJUGATION:
- 利かない (negative)
- 利きます (polite)
- 利いた (past)
- 利いて (te-form)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ブレーキが利く — the brakes work
- 融通が利く — to be flexible/adaptable
- 小回りが利く — to be maneuverable
- 気が利く — to be considerate/attentive
- つぶしが利く — to have versatile skills/qualifications
- 無理が利く — to be able to push oneself
Related Words
Contrast:
効く