noun, takes する, intransitive verb

  1. action, operation, process, agency, effect, function.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
作用 さよう

Contained Kanji Breakdown

make, production, prepare
サク つく.る サ (2nd, N4)
human radical (no. 9)
though, notwithstanding, while
サ サク -なが.ら (Kentei Pre-1)
utilize, business, service
ヨウ もち.いる たから (2nd, N4)
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
number one, line, rod radical (no. 2)
コン シ ジョ