Meaning

Primary

Effect

Alternatives

Action, Operation

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

When you make a task you're looking for a certain effect or action. What task can you make right now to get the effect of learning more kanji?

Reading

さよう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

What's the effect of a saw on yogurt (さよう)? What will the action of the saw on the yogurt do? Seems futile, but you're going to try anyway. For science.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 作用がはたらく

    to be effective

    作用がある

    to have an effect

    作用がなくなる

    to stop having an effect

Context Sentences

アルコールの作用を教えてください。

Teach me about the effects of alcohol.

これは塩素の作用です。

This is the effect of chlorine.

消化作用によって、食べ物は栄養素に分解されます。

Through the process of digestion, food is broken down into nutrients.

薬の作用により、痛みが和らいだ。

Thanks to the effects of the medicine, the pain eased up.

Kanji Composition