Quick answer
効 is the kanji for "Merit". It is a JLPT N2 kanji. The main reading is き.く (kiku). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Merit
Also : Benefit · Efficacy · Efficiency
Learn 効 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 効 represents 'MERIT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of merit.
On-reading: こう — sounds like 'ko' in 'coat'. Kun-reading: き.く.
Example Sentences
効果的な方法を見つけました。
こうかてきなほうほうをみつけました。
I found an effective method.
この薬は効き目があります。
このくすりはききめがあります。
This medicine is effective.
Vocabulary using 効
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
Learn 効 with Spaced Repetition
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