Translation and Meaning of: 効力 - kouryoku

The Japanese word 効力 (こうりょく, kōryoku) is a term that frequently appears in formal, legal contexts and even in everyday life. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the meaning and use of this expression, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from the translation and origin to how it is perceived in Japanese culture. Whether to understand contracts, news, or simply to expand your vocabulary, knowing 効力 can be quite useful.

In addition to uncovering the precise meaning of the word, we will discuss its composition in kanji, usage examples, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you have used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know how important it is to have clear and reliable information about Japanese . Here, we will not only define 効力 but also understand why it is relevant and how the Japanese use it in their daily lives.

What does 効力 mean and how is it written?

効力 is composed of two kanji: 効 (こう, kō), which conveys the idea of "effectiveness" or "effect," and 力 (りょく, ryoku), which means "force" or "power." Together, they form a word that can be translated as "effectiveness," "vigor," or "legal power." Unlike more everyday , 効力 usually appears in contexts where there is a discussion about validity, such as in contracts, laws, or regulations.

It is worth noting that 効力 does not refer to physical strength, but rather to a type of "power of action" or "validity." For example, when a contract loses its 効力, it means that it no longer has legal effect. This specific use makes the word more common in formal texts, although it also appears in news and discussions about public policies.

Origin and evolution of the term 効力

The combination of the kanjis 効 and 力 is not random. The first, 効, derives from the Chinese character that represented the idea of "efficient work" or "achieved result." On the other hand, 力, one of the most basic kanjis in Japanese, has always been associated with concepts of energy and capability. The ing of these ideograms reflects a notion of "force that produces results," which is essential in legal and istrative contexts.

Curiously, 効力 gained greater relevance in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the country underwent profound legal reforms. At that time, describing the validity of laws and decrees became more necessary, solidifying the use of 効力 in bureaucratic vocabulary. Today, it retains this connotation but also appears in discussions about the effectiveness of medications or public policies.

How and when to use 効力 in modern Japanese?

As it is a formal word, 効力 is not usually used in casual conversations. Its use is more common in documents, news, and technical discussions. A classic example is the phrase "この法律は効力を持ちます" (kono hōritsu wa kōryoku o mochimasu), which means "This law is in effect." Here, it is clear that the term is related to something that is in force or has legal effect.

Another important detail is that 効力 often appears alongside verbs such as 持つ (motsu, "to have") or 失う (ushinau, "to lose"). This reinforces the idea that it pertains to something that can be acquired or ceased, like in the case of an international agreement that "loses its 効力" after a certain period. For Japanese learners, observing these usage patterns can facilitate memorization.

Tips for memorizing and understanding 効力

An effective way to fix the meaning of 効力 is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of things that have "validity": a port, a product warranty, or a professional license. All of them have 効力 for a certain period. This connection with real examples helps to internalize the term without memorizing loose vocabulary lists.

Another strategy is to observe the kanji 効 in other words, such as 効果 (こうか, kōka, "effect") or 有効 (ゆうこう, yūkō, "valid"). Recognizing these relationships shows how Japanese constructs from shared radicals. If you already know 力 from words like 努力 (どりょく, doryoku, "effort"), it becomes even easier to that 効力 is related to a "force that produces results."

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 効果 (Kōka) - Effect, result or consequence of an action
• 効きめ (Kikime) - Effectiveness, the ability to produce a desired effect
• 効き力 (Kikiryoku) - Power of effectiveness, the strength of the ability to provoke an effect.
• 効能 (Kōnon) - Efficacy or beneficial properties of something, often used in medications.
• 効き目 (Kikime) - Effect, synonymous with efficacy, but it can refer to observable results of a treatment or remedy.