JLPT N2 · Japanese kanji
効 — merit
- Reading
- コウ・き.く・ききめ・なら.う
- Meaning
- merit; efficacy; efficiency; benefit
- JLPT level
- N2
- Language
- Japanese
About this kanji
効 is a japanese kanji character commonly studied at the JLPT N2 level. Its primary reading is コウ・き.く・ききめ・なら.う and it means merit; efficacy; efficiency; benefit. To master it, see it in real Japanese content — import an article or YouTube video into InputDojo and every occurrence becomes a one-tap lookup.
効 appears in everyday japanese words such as 効率 (efficiency), 無効 (invalid) and 効力 (effect).
Japanese words containing 効
Frequently asked questions
What does 効 mean in Japanese?
効 means merit; efficacy; efficiency; benefit in Japanese. It is one of the JLPT N2 kanji every learner meets at that level.
How is 効 read?
効 is read コウ・き.く・ききめ・なら.う. Reading it inside real words — 効率 and 無効 and more — is the fastest way to remember it.
What level is 効 — is it JLPT N2?
Yes. 効 is on the official JLPT N2 kanji list, so it can appear in that exam's reading and vocabulary sections.
How do you use 効 in a word?
A common word containing 効 is 効率 (こうりつ) — "efficiency". More examples are listed below, each with a one-tap dictionary entry.
How do I learn 効 effectively?
Read it in context. Import any Japanese article or video into InputDojo and every occurrence of 効 becomes a one-tap lookup with SRS flashcards, so you meet it in real sentences instead of a list.
More JLPT N2 kanji
Learn every JLPT kanji in context
InputDojo gives you the full JLPT N5–N1 kanji list — plus one-tap lookups in any real Japanese content. Free to start.
Start free