Translation guide
The English word "effect" covers a wide range of meanings, from the result of an action to a special visual or audio technique. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
薬はすぐに効果があった。
The medicine had an immediate effect.
The outcome or change produced by a cause.
The most common and general word for a positive or intended effect, result, or efficacy.
この薬はすぐに効果が現れる。
This medicine takes effect quickly.
新しい政策の効果を測る。
Measure the effect of the new policy.
Influence or impact, often broader and can be negative or neutral. Used for effects on people, society, or environment.
温暖化の影響で気温が上昇している。
Temperatures are rising due to the effects of global warming.
親の影響を受けて医者になった。
I became a doctor under the influence of my parents.
Result or outcome, often used in a cause-and-effect context. More neutral than 効果.
努力の結果、合格した。
As a result of my efforts, I passed.
Action or effect, often used in scientific or technical contexts (e.g., chemical effect, side effect).
この薬の副作用には眠気がある。
Side effects of this medicine include drowsiness.
A technique used in film, video, or sound to create an illusion or enhance production.
Loanword from English, used for special effects in movies, music, and digital media.
この映画の特殊エフェクトは素晴らしい。
The special effects in this movie are amazing.
Formal term for special effects, often abbreviated as SFX.
The state of being operative or valid, as in a law or agreement.
Legal effect, validity, or force. Used for laws, contracts, and regulations.
この法律は来年から効力を発する。
This law will take effect next year.
Coming into effect, often used as a noun or verb (発効する).
Items of property; personal possessions.
Personal effects or belongings, often used in formal or legal contexts.
彼の所持品はすべて没収された。
All his personal effects were confiscated.
Effects left by a deceased person; belongings of the dead.
The overall feeling or visual impact created by something.
Can also refer to the effect or impression something gives, especially in design or presentation.
照明の効果で部屋が広く見える。
The lighting effect makes the room look larger.
Direction or production; the effect created by staging, lighting, etc., in theater or film.
効果 (kouka) is typically a positive, intended effect or efficacy. 影響 (eikyou) is influence or impact, which can be positive, negative, or neutral. Use 効果 for results you aim for, and 影響 for broader consequences.
運動の効果で健康になった。
I became healthy as an effect of exercise.
台風の影響で電車が止まった。
Trains stopped due to the effect of the typhoon.
English uses 'effect' in many set phrases (e.g., 'take effect', 'in effect') that have specific Japanese equivalents. Avoid literal translation; learn the natural Japanese phrase instead.
新しい法律は来月から施行されます。
The new law will take effect next month.
施行 (shikou) means enforcement or putting into effect.
このゲームの音響効果は素晴らしい。
The sound effects in this game are amazing.
特殊効果チームがリアルな爆発を作り出した。
The special effects team created a realistic explosion.
Sound effects, specifically for audio.
ゲームの音響効果を担当する。
I'm in charge of sound effects for the game.
条約は来月発効する。
The treaty will come into effect next month.
Sort through my grandmother's effects.
その演出は観客に強い印象を与えた。
The staging had a powerful effect on the audience.