Meaning

Primary

To Work Well

Alternatives

To Be Possible, To Be Effective

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

You know the kanji means profit. When you make it into a verb, though, it means to work well. If you think about it, when something works well it makes you a profit.

Reading

きく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

What works so well? Your special key () that can unlock anyone and anything's potential. Imagine putting it into a key slot in someone's back. Someone who's a good for nothing can't-do-anything is now an effective member of society! Go around using your key on other non-effective things and show them that anything is possible!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 自由が利く

    to be free to do something

    気が利く

    to be sensitive to others' needs, to be quick-witted

    小回りが利く

    to have a short turning radius, to be flexible

Context Sentences

自転車のブレーキが利かない。

My bike's brakes don't work.

うちの子、気が利くんですよ。

My child is thoughtful.

コウイチは中々融通の利く男だ。

Koichi is a pretty flexible man.

Kanji Composition