Effect
Action, Operation
noun, verbal noun
When you make a task you're looking for a certain effect and/or action. What task can you make right now to get the effect of learning more kanji?
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since 作 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 yoghurt (さよう)? What will the action of the saw on the yoghurt do? Seems futile, but you're going to try anyway. For science.
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
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.