effect
N3- Onyomi
- コウ
- Kunyomi
- き(く)
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 効 down and you get 交 (exchange / cross) — two legs crossed at the ankle, and beside it 力 (power / strength) — an arm flexed to show its strength. Picture a figure straining to lift a weight overhead, put 効 inside it, and let that scene stand for "effect" — effect. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は8画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 8 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
効果
kouka
effect
失効
shikkou
expiration
効率
kouritsu
efficiency
発効
hakkou
coming into effect
効率化
kouritsuka
making efficient
発効した
hakkoushita
plain past: did coming into effect
Example sentences (3)
毎日の練習の効果が出てきました。
まいにち の れんしゅう の こうか が でて きました。
mainichi no renshuu no kouka ga dete kimashita.
The effects of daily practice are showing.
薬の効果が出るまで、少し時間がかかるそうです。
くすり の こうか が でる まで、すこし じかん が かかる そう です。
kusuri no kouka ga deru made, sukoshi jikan ga kakaru sou desu.
I hear it takes a little time for the medicine to take effect.
短くても、毎日続けたほうが学習の効果があります。
みじかくて も、まいにち つづけた ほう が がくしゅう の こうか が あります。
mijikakute mo, mainichi tsuzuketa hou ga gakushuu no kouka ga arimasu.
Even if it is short, continuing every day makes learning more effective.