Godan verb, transitive verb

  1. to bring out (the effect of), to put to good use, to make use of (e.g. threats), to use (e.g. intimidation), to take advantage of (e.g. one's influence), to season (with salt, etc.), to put in.
  2. to use (tact, wit, etc.), to exercise, to display.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
利かす きかす
 
 
効かす きかす

Contained Kanji Breakdown

profit, advantage, benefit
リ き.く と (4th, N3)
two-branch tree radical (no. 115)
カ いね (Kentei Pre-1)
katakana no radical (no. 4)
ヘツ えい よう (Kentei 1)
tree, wood
き モク こ- (1st, N5)
knife, standing sword radical (no. 18)
トウ