1.
effect; efficacy; effectiveness
The degree to which something (typically medicine, treatment, or an action) produces the desired result. Often used for tangible, observable effects.
この薬は効き目がある。
This medicine is effective.
効き目が出るまで時間がかかる。
It takes time for the effect to appear.
お守りの効き目を信じて試験に臨んだ。
I went into the exam believing in the power of my good-luck charm.
Composed of 効く (to work, to be effective) + 目 (result, appearance). Most commonly used with medicine, remedies, and treatments, but also applies to charms, strategies, and other actions where one hopes for a tangible result.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 効き目がある — to be effective, to have an effect
- 効き目がない — to have no effect
- 効き目が出る — the effect appears/kicks in
- 効き目が薄い — the effect is weak
- 効き目抜群 — outstandingly effective
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 効果 — effect, result; more formal, used in scientific and official contexts
- 効能 — efficacy; formal, often seen on medicine labels
- 効力 — effectiveness, potency; formal, often legal or regulatory