Meaning and Usage
"影響" (えいきょう) means "influence" or "effect." It is used to describe how one thing affects another, often in a significant or noticeable way. This word is common in both formal and informal contexts, including conversations about social issues, personal relationships, and business.
Common Collocations
- 影響を与える (えいきょうをあたえる): to give influence or effect; used when something causes an impact.
- 影響を受ける (えいきょうをうける): to be influenced or affected; used when someone or something is impacted by an external factor.
- 影響力 (えいきょうりょく): influence or power; often used to describe someone's ability to affect others.
Usage Notes
When using "影響," the nuance often implies a cause-and-effect relationship. It can be positive or negative, so context is important. Learners sometimes confuse "影響" with "効果" (effect/result), but "影響" emphasizes the process or presence of influence, while "効果" focuses on the outcome.
Register and Politeness
"影響" is neutral and appropriate in both casual and formal speech. It appears frequently in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation.
Tips
To sound natural, pair "影響" with verbs like "与える" (to give) or "受ける" (to receive) to clearly express who is influencing whom.