効果的
kōkateki
The Japanese word for effective is 効果的 (kōkateki).
効果的 is used to describe something that has the power to produce a required effect or effects.
Meaning: having the power to produce a required effect or effects (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 効果的 focuses on producing a specific result or effect, the term 有効 is often used to mean 'effective' in terms of being valid, useful or having a certain potency (like a medicine or a law).
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this word to modify a noun directly, you must change the ending to 効果的な. In a sentence, the adjective is often used in its dictionary form (ending in だ or である) to function as a predicate.
How do you pronounce it?
kōkateki
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'effect' in 効果的, composed of 'work' (功) and 'fruit' (果), literally describes the 'fruit of one's labor'.
- The suffix 的 in 効果的 is a 'loan-translation' from Western grammatical structures, added to traditional kanji to create modern Japanese adjectives.
- While 効果的 describes something that works well, the word 有効 is used for things that are 'valid'. For example, a passport or a discount coupon is 有効 until its expiration date, regardless of whether it is 'effective' in a functional sense.
Examples in context
- 最も効果的な防御は攻撃である。The most effective defense is offense.This sentence shows the use of the word in a predicate position.Tatoeba #170792 by bunbuku, translation #243688 by CK
- 癌の効果的な治療法はまだ発見されていない。We have yet to discover an effective remedy for cancer.This sentence shows how the word describes a remedy.Tatoeba #183680 by tommy__san, translation #20803 by CK
- その方法は粗雑なものであったが、効果的だった。The method was crude, but very effective.This sentence shows how the word can be used to describe a method.Tatoeba #206772 by bunbuku, translation #44020 by CM
- 彼の提案は非常に効果的でした。His proposal was very effective.
- この手法は効果的かつ有効です。This technique is both effective and useful.
- この薬、本当によく効くんだよ。This medicine really works well.
- この新しい広告の戦略はかなり効果があるそうだよ。I heard this new advertising strategy is quite effective.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Youta and Himari are discussing a new study method.
- 陽太 Yotaこの勉強法は効果的かな？Kono benkyouhou wa koukateki kana?Is this study method effective?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、すごく効果的だと思うよ。Un, sugoku koukateki da to omou yo.Yes, I think it's very effective.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵がそう言うなら安心だ。Himari ga sou iu nara anshin da.If you say so, Himari, I'm relieved.
- 陽葵 Himari一緒に頑張ろうね。Issho ni ganbarou ne.Let's do our best together.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 効果的, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
