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効

効 — merit, efficacy, efficiency

Learn the correct stroke order for 効 (merit), a 8-stroke kanji.

JLPT N2Grade 58 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 8
On'yomi (音読み)コウkou
Kun'yomi (訓読み)き.くkiku、ききめkikime、なら.うnarau
Strokes8
Radical力
Frequency#538
Meaningsmerit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 8 — start from the green dot

Common Words

効果こうかeffect; effectiveness; efficacynoun
効能こうのうeffect; effectiveness; efficacynoun
効用こうようuse; utility; effectnoun
効率こうりつefficiencynoun
効力こうりょくeffect; efficacy; validitynoun
時効じこうprescription; statute of limitations; limitation periodnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 効 (merit) is taught in grade 5 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N2 level. It has 8 strokes with radical 力.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 効 is #538, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

効果こうか — effect; effectiveness; efficacy
効能こうのう — effect; effectiveness; efficacy
効用こうよう — use; utility; effect

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (力)

力power加add功achievement劣inferiority助help労labor努toil励encourage

Same reading

区ward講lecture航navigate厚thick香incense荒laid waste硬stiff黄yellow

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 効 have?

The kanji 効 (merit) has 8 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 効?

効 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 効 mean?

効 means: merit, efficacy, efficiency, benefit. On'yomi readings: コウ. Kun'yomi readings: き.く, ききめ, なら.う.

What JLPT level is 効?

効 is a JLPT N2 kanji. This is an advanced kanji.