効(き)き目(め)

ききめ

noun

effect; efficacy

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(くすり)は効(き)き目(め)がある。

This medicine is effective.

効(き)き目(め)が出(で)るまで時間(じかん)がかかる。

It takes time for the effect to appear.

お守(まも)りの効(き)き目(め)を信(しん)じて試験(しけん)に臨(のぞ)んだ。

I went into the exam believing in the power of my good-luck charm.

Composed of 効(き)く (to work, to be effective) + 目(め) (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)き目(め)がある — to be effective, to have an effect
効(き)き目(め)がない — to have no effect
効(き)き目(め)が出(で)る — the effect appears/kicks in
効(き)き目(め)が薄(うす)い — the effect is weak
効(き)き目(め)抜群(ばつぐん) — outstandingly effective

Similar words

効果(こうか) — effect, result; more formal, used in scientific and official contexts
効能(こうのう) — efficacy; formal, often seen on medicine labels
効力(こうりょく) — effectiveness, potency; formal, often legal or regulatory

Related Words

Compare: 効果(こうか) (effect, result)

Compare: 効能(こうのう) (efficacy)

Compare: 効力(こうりょく) (effectiveness, potency)

general

Added 2026.3.27 14:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

19500/19884_kikime