At the A1 level, you can think of '効率が良い' (Kōritsu ga yoi) as a way to say 'This is a good way to do things.' Even though it's a B1 word, you can understand it simply. 'Kōritsu' is 'efficiency' and 'yoi' is 'good.' So, it means doing something in a smart way that doesn't waste time. For example, if you study for 10 minutes and learn 10 words, that is 'kōritsu ga yoi.' If you study for 1 hour and learn only 1 word, that is 'kōritsu ga warui' (bad efficiency). You can use it to talk about simple things like using a fast train or a good tool. Just remember to add 'desu' at the end to be polite: 'Kōritsu ga yoi desu.'
At the A2 level, you should start using '効率が良い' to describe your habits and tools. You can use it to explain why you prefer one method over another. For example, 'I think using an app is more efficient than a book.' In Japanese, you would say 'Apuri no hō ga kōritsu ga yoi desu.' You can also use it to talk about housework or travel. If you go to the supermarket and the bank in one trip because they are next to each other, you are being efficient. You are moving from just saying things are 'good' (ii) or 'fast' (hayai) to using a more specific word that describes the quality of your work or time management.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use '効率が良い' in professional and academic contexts. This is the level where the word is most commonly introduced. You should understand that efficiency is a ratio—getting the most results from the least input. You can use it to discuss work processes, study techniques, and economic concepts. You should also be comfortable using the negative form '効率が良くない' (not efficient) and the past tense '効率が良かった' (was efficient). At this level, you can also start using the particle 'no' to modify nouns, such as 'kōritsu no yoi hōhō' (an efficient method). This allows you to build more complex and natural-sounding sentences.
At the B2 level, you should be able to distinguish '効率が良い' from similar terms like '能率' (nōritsu - manual output rate) or '合理的' (gōriteki - rational). You will encounter this phrase in business reports, news articles about the economy, and discussions about environmental sustainability (like fuel efficiency). You should be able to use it to argue a point, such as why a certain corporate restructuring was necessary to improve efficiency. You should also be familiar with the noun form '効率化' (kōritsuka - streamlining/optimization) and how to use it with 'suru' (to streamline). This shows a deeper understanding of how Japanese evaluates systems and productivity.
At the C1 level, '効率が良い' is a tool for nuanced analysis. You can use it to discuss the philosophical or social implications of efficiency in Japanese culture. For example, is the pursuit of 'kōritsu' always good, or does it sometimes lead to stress and the loss of 'omotenashi' (hospitality)? You should be able to use the phrase in high-level debates about urban planning, energy policy, or corporate strategy. At this level, you should also be comfortable with formal variants and related idioms, and be able to explain the subtle difference between 'kōritsu ga yoi' and 'tegiwa ga yoi' (deftness) in a variety of nuanced social situations.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '効率が良い.' You can use it with perfect timing and register, whether in a casual joke about a friend's overly organized kitchen or in a formal academic paper on algorithmic efficiency. You understand the historical evolution of the term and its kanji. You can use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'cognitive efficiency' or 'thermodynamic efficiency' with technical precision. Your use of the word is no longer just about 'being fast,' but about a sophisticated understanding of resource optimization across all facets of life and science. You can also critique the term's usage in media and literature.

効率が良い in 30 Sekunden

  • Means 'efficient' or 'productive' in Japanese.
  • Combines 'kōritsu' (ratio of effect) and 'yoi' (good).
  • Used for business, study, machines, and daily chores.
  • Often changes to 'kōritsu ga ii' in casual speech.

The phrase 効率が良い (こうりつがよい - Kōritsu ga yoi) is a fundamental expression in Japanese used to describe actions, systems, or methods that yield maximum output with minimum effort or time. In the context of the modern Japanese lifestyle, where 'Kaizen' (continuous improvement) and 'Productivity' are highly valued, this phrase appears everywhere from business boardrooms to casual conversations about household chores. The term consists of two parts: Kōritsu (efficiency/ratio of effect) and yoi (good). When you say something is efficient, you are not just saying it is 'fast'; you are implying that the resources—whether they be time, money, or energy—are being utilized in the most logical and beneficial way possible.

Literal Breakdown
The kanji (kō) means 'effect' or 'efficacy,' while (ritsu) means 'rate' or 'ratio.' Combined, they represent the 'rate of effect.' Adding the adjective 良い (good) creates the complete evaluation of a high performance-to-input ratio.

この新しいソフトウェアを使えば、仕事の効率が良いですよ。
(Kono atarashii sofutowea o tsukaeba, shigoto no kōritsu ga yoi desu yo.)
If you use this new software, your work efficiency will be good (high).

In Japanese society, there is a strong emphasis on dandori (preparation and procedure). If a person has a 'good' efficiency, it suggests they are organized and smart. It is often used as a compliment for colleagues who finish their work early without sacrificing quality. Conversely, a common complaint in Japanese work culture is that meetings are kōritsu ga warui (inefficient/bad efficiency), meaning they take too long and accomplish too little. Understanding this phrase requires recognizing that it focuses on the process as much as the result. It is about the elegance of the method.

Contextual Nuance
Use this when discussing fuel economy in cars, studying methods for exams, or the layout of a kitchen that makes cooking faster. It is a very versatile 'positive' evaluation of logic applied to labor.

効率が良い勉強法を教えてください。
(Kōritsu ga yoi benkyō-hō o oshiete kudasai.)
Please teach me an efficient way to study.

When you use this phrase, you are signaling that you value your time and resources. In a country where 'Karoshi' (death from overwork) has been a historical issue, the modern shift toward being kōritsu ga yoi represents a cultural movement toward work-life balance and smarter labor practices. It is not just about working hard; it is about working smart. This distinction is vital for English speakers to grasp, as it mirrors the shift from 'busy-ness' to 'productivity' in Western business discourse.

Using 効率が良い correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a predicate or an attributive phrase. It functions much like any other 'Noun + Particle + Adjective' structure in Japanese, such as atama ga ii (smart) or tenki ga ii (good weather). The noun kōritsu acts as the subject of the quality being described, and yoi evaluates that quality.

As a Predicate
When ending a sentence, you usually add 'desu' for politeness. Example: 'Kono fūru wa kōritsu ga yoi desu' (This tool is efficient).

リモートワークは、通勤時間がないので効率が良いです。
(Rimōto wāku wa, tsūkin jikan ga nai node kōritsu ga yoi desu.)
Remote work is efficient because there is no commute time.

One of the most powerful ways to use this phrase is with the particle no to modify another noun. When you say kōritsu no yoi [noun], the 'ga' often changes to 'no' in subordinating clauses, which is a common feature of Japanese grammar. For example, kōritsu no yoi jugyō means 'an efficient class.' This allows you to describe specific objects, methods, or people with precision.

Modifying Nouns
Structure: [Noun] + 効率が良い + [Target Noun]. Example: 'Kōritsu ga yoi tsukaikata' (An efficient way of using [something]).

彼はいつも効率が良いやり方を探しています。
(Kare wa itsumo kōritsu ga yoi yarikata o sagashite imasu.)
He is always looking for an efficient way of doing things.

It is also important to know how to connect this phrase to other ideas using the 'te-form' of the adjective yoi, which is yokute. This allows you to list multiple qualities. For instance, you might say something is 'efficient and cheap' (kōritsu ga yokute yasui). This is particularly useful in product reviews or business proposals where you need to highlight multiple benefits of a solution.

手書きよりタイピングの方が効率が良いと思います。
(Tegaki yori taipingu no hō ga kōritsu ga yoi to omoimasu.)
I think typing is more efficient than handwriting.

Finally, consider the use of adverbs to modify the degree of efficiency. You can use hijō ni (extremely), wari to (relatively), or amari (not very, with negative verb) to fine-tune your meaning. Saying 'amari kōritsu ga yokunai' is a polite way of saying something is a waste of time, which is a very Japanese way of expressing criticism indirectly.

You will encounter 効率が良い in a variety of real-world settings in Japan, ranging from professional environments to daily lifestyle media. In the Japanese workplace, this phrase is a key performance indicator. During 'asa-rei' (morning meetings), a manager might urge the team to think about kōritsu ga yoi workflows to meet a tight deadline. It is the language of optimization.

Business and Tech
In tech reviews or software advertisements, you'll see claims like 'Kōritsu ga yoi dēta shori' (Efficient data processing). It emphasizes the technical superiority of a product.

このエンジンは燃費が良く、非常に効率が良いです。
(Kono enjin wa nenpi ga yoku, hijō ni kōritsu ga yoi desu.)
This engine has good fuel economy and is extremely efficient.

In the realm of education, Japanese students are constantly bombarded with advice on kōritsu ga yoi benkyō-hō. Because the Japanese entrance exam system is so competitive, students look for ways to memorize kanji or solve math problems without wasting a single second. You will see this phrase on the covers of self-help books in bookstores like Kinokuniya or Tsutaya, promising 'The Most Efficient Way to Learn English' or 'Efficient Time Management for Busy People.'

Household and lifestyle magazines (like 'ESSE' or 'Lettuce Club') frequently use this phrase when discussing kaji (housework). Articles might explain how to arrange your refrigerator so that cooking becomes kōritsu ga yoi. In this context, it feels more domestic and practical, focusing on saving 'mama' or 'papa' time so they can spend it with their children. It’s about the 'flow' of the home.

Daily Life
When talking to friends about travel plans, you might say, 'Kono ruto no hō ga kōritsu ga yoi ne' (This route is more efficient, isn't it?) to suggest a path that hits more sightseeing spots in less time.

掃除の順番を考えれば、もっと効率が良いですよ。
(Sōji no junban o kangaereba, motto kōritsu ga yoi desu yo.)
If you think about the order of cleaning, it will be more efficient.

Finally, in sports and fitness, trainers use it to describe movements that don't waste energy. A 'kōritsu ga yoi fōmu' (efficient form) in running or swimming means the athlete is moving in a way that maximizes speed while minimizing fatigue. Whether in a high-tech factory or a local gym, the phrase remains a gold standard for performance evaluation.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is confusing 効率が良い (Kōritsu ga yoi) with related concepts like benri (convenient) or yaku ni tatsu (useful). While an efficient tool is often convenient, 'efficient' specifically refers to the ratio of output to input. For example, a microwave is 'benri' because it's easy to use, but a specific heating method might be 'kōritsu ga yoi' because it uses less electricity to achieve the same heat.

Efficiency vs. Convenience
Mistake: Calling a comfortable chair 'kōritsu ga yoi.' Correct: Call it 'kaiteki' (comfortable). Only use 'kōritsu' when there is a task or a process involved.

❌ この椅子は効率が良いです。
✅ この椅子は座り心地が良いです。
A chair isn't 'efficient' unless it's designed to speed up a specific work task.

Another common error is the grammatical placement of the adjective. Some learners try to use it like a verb, saying 'efficiency-ing.' Remember that yoi is an i-adjective. You cannot say 'kōritsu ga yoi-shimasu.' If you want to say 'to make more efficient,' you must use the phrase kōritsu o ageru (to raise efficiency) or kōritsu-ka suru (to efficiency-ize/streamline).

Learners also struggle with the difference between kōritsu ga yoi and nōritsu ga yoi. While very similar, nōritsu (ability-rate) is specifically about human work capacity and speed, often used in factory settings or manual labor. Kōritsu is broader and can apply to machines, systems, and abstract concepts. Using 'nōritsu' for a car's fuel consumption would be incorrect.

Kōritsu vs. Nōritsu
Use Kōritsu for systems, machines, and general methods. Use Nōritsu for human work output and 'getting through the pile' of tasks.

❌ 車の能率が良い。
✅ 車の燃費(効率)が良い。
Cars have efficiency, not 'work-ability.'

Finally, be careful with the particle. It is kōritsu **ga** yoi, not kōritsu **o** yoi. Because 'yoi' is an adjective, it describes the state of the subject (efficiency), so the subject marker 'ga' is required. Using 'o' would imply you are doing something to the efficiency, which doesn't work with an adjective like 'yoi'.

To truly master Japanese, you need to know the synonyms and related terms for 効率が良い to avoid sounding repetitive. Depending on the context—whether you're talking about a person's skill, a machine's power, or a process's speed—other words might be more appropriate.

1. 効率的 (Kōritsuteki)
This is the 'na-adjective' version. It is more formal and used often in writing or professional presentations. Example: 'Kōritsuteki-na un'ei' (Efficient management).
2. 手際が良い (Tegiwa ga yoi)
This describes a person who is skillful and handles tasks quickly and efficiently. It's a great compliment for a chef or a craftsman. It focuses on the 'dexterity' and 'smoothness' of the person's hands.
3. 合理的 (Gōriteki)
Meaning 'rational' or 'logical.' Often, a rational approach is an efficient one. Use this when the efficiency comes from sound reasoning rather than just speed.

彼女は料理の手際が良いので、すぐにご飯ができます。
(Kanojo wa ryōri no tegiwa ga yoi node, sugu ni gohan ga dekimasu.)
She is efficient (deft) at cooking, so the meal is ready in no time.

Another set of alternatives involves verbs. Instead of saying something 'is efficient,' you might say it 'saves time' (jikan o tanshu-ku suru) or 'saves labor' (shōryoku-ka suru). In a manufacturing context, you might hear seisandaka ga takai (high productivity). These phrases are more specific and technical.

For the opposite of efficiency, you can use muda ga ooi (there is a lot of waste). In Japan, 'Muda' is a famous word in the Toyota Production System. If a process has 'muda,' it is by definition not kōritsu ga yoi. Using 'muda' focuses on the negative waste, while 'kōritsu ga yoi' focuses on the positive optimization. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to criticize the waste or praise the efficiency.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

このやり方は効率が良いです。

This way is efficient.

End with 'desu' for politeness.

2

効率が良い勉強をしましょう。

Let's do efficient studying.

Modifying the noun 'benkyō' (study).

3

電車は効率が良いです。

Trains are efficient.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

4

効率が良いツールを使います。

I use efficient tools.

Using the phrase as an adjective for 'tsūru'.

5

それは効率が良いですね。

That is efficient, isn't it?

Adding 'ne' for agreement.

6

効率が良い仕事が好きです。

I like efficient work.

Object of the verb 'suki' (like).

7

このアプリは効率が良い。

This app is efficient.

Casual form (no 'desu').

8

もっと効率が良い方法がありますか?

Is there a more efficient way?

Question form with 'motto' (more).

1

パソコンを使うと効率が良いです。

Using a computer is efficient.

Using 'to' to mean 'when/if'.

2

効率が良い料理の作り方を習いました。

I learned an efficient way to cook.

Modifying 'tsukurikata' (how to make).

3

この掃除機は効率が良いです。

This vacuum cleaner is efficient.

Describing a machine's performance.

4

効率が良いルートで行きましょう。

Let's go via an efficient route.

Using 'de' to indicate the means/route.

5

朝早く起きる方が効率が良いです。

Waking up early is more efficient.

Using 'hō ga' for comparison.

6

効率が良いので、このペンを使っています。

Because it's efficient, I use this pen.

Using 'node' to give a reason.

7

あまり効率が良くないですね。

It's not very efficient, is it?

Negative form 'yokunai' with 'amari'.

8

どうすれば効率が良くなりますか?

How can it become efficient?

Using 'narimasu' (to become).

1

業務の効率が良いシステムを導入した。

We introduced a system with good operational efficiency.

Using 'no' instead of 'ga' in a relative clause.

2

時間を効率良く使うことが大切です。

It is important to use time efficiently.

Adverbial form 'yoku' modifying the verb 'tsukau'.

3

今のプロセスは効率が良いとは言えません。

I cannot say the current process is efficient.

Using 'to wa iemasen' for polite disagreement.

4

効率が良いだけでなく、正確さも必要だ。

Not only efficiency, but accuracy is also necessary.

Using 'dake de naku' (not only...).

5

この投資は非常に効率が良い。

This investment is extremely efficient (productive).

Using 'hijō ni' for emphasis.

6

効率が良い生産ラインを構築した。

We built an efficient production line.

Describing industrial systems.

7

短時間で効率が良い運動をしたい。

I want to do efficient exercise in a short time.

Describing a workout routine.

8

効率が良い組織はコミュニケーションが円滑だ。

Efficient organizations have smooth communication.

Generalizing about organizations.

1

エネルギー効率が良い住宅が普及している。

Energy-efficient housing is becoming widespread.

Compound noun 'enerugī kōritsu'.

2

その戦略は、資源の配分において効率が良い。

That strategy is efficient in terms of resource allocation.

Using 'ni oite' (in terms of).

3

効率が良いアルゴリズムを開発する必要がある。

It is necessary to develop an efficient algorithm.

Technical context (computer science).

4

無駄を省くことで、さらに効率が良くなった。

By eliminating waste, it became even more efficient.

Using 'koto de' to indicate means.

5

効率が良い経営は、従業員の満足度も高める。

Efficient management also increases employee satisfaction.

Linking efficiency to social outcomes.

6

新薬の開発には効率が良い実験が欠かせない。

Efficient experiments are indispensable for new drug development.

Using 'kakasenai' (indispensable).

7

コストパフォーマンスを考えると、これが一番効率が良い。

Considering cost-performance, this is the most efficient.

Using 'kangaeru to' (if you consider).

8

効率が良い物流ネットワークが構築された。

An efficient logistics network has been established.

Describing large-scale infrastructure.

1

資本効率が良い企業は、投資家から高く評価される。

Companies with good capital efficiency are highly valued by investors.

Economic/Financial terminology.

2

効率が良い社会を追求するあまり、心の余裕を失ってはならない。

In pursuing an efficient society, we must not lose our peace of mind.

Using 'amari' to mean 'to such an extent that'.

3

このマニュアルは、作業の効率が良い手順を網羅している。

This manual covers procedures that offer good work efficiency.

Using 'mōra shite iru' (comprehensive coverage).

4

効率が良いだけでなく、持続可能性も考慮すべきだ。

We should consider not only efficiency but also sustainability.

Using 'beki da' for recommendation.

5

都市構造を効率が良い形に再編する計画が進んでいる。

Plans are underway to reorganize the urban structure into an efficient form.

Describing urban planning.

6

情報伝達の効率が良い組織ほど、変化に強い。

Organizations with efficient information transmission are more resilient to change.

Using 'hodo' to show correlation.

7

効率が良い学習法を確立することは、生涯学習において重要だ。

Establishing efficient learning methods is important in lifelong learning.

Academic/Formal tone.

8

技術革新によって、エネルギーの利用が飛躍的に効率が良くなった。

Through technological innovation, energy utilization has become dramatically more efficient.

Using 'hiyaku-teki ni' (dramatically).

1

パレート効率が良い状態、いわゆるパレート最適を目指すべきだ。

We should aim for a state of Pareto efficiency, so-called Pareto optimality.

Applying the phrase to economic theory.

2

言語の進化は、意思疎通の効率が良い方向へと向かう傾向がある。

The evolution of language tends toward a direction where communication is more efficient.

Linguistic analysis.

3

効率が良い統治システムは、透明性と迅速な意思決定を兼ね備えている。

An efficient governance system combines transparency with swift decision-making.

Political science context.

4

生物の進化の過程で、エネルギー代謝の効率が良い個体が生き残ってきた。

In the process of biological evolution, individuals with efficient energy metabolism have survived.

Biological/Scientific analysis.

5

効率が良いという評価は、常に特定の目的関数に依存する。

The evaluation of being 'efficient' always depends on a specific objective function.

Philosophical/Mathematical critique.

6

グローバルサプライチェーンの効率が良い運営は、地政学的リスクに晒されている。

The efficient operation of global supply chains is exposed to geopolitical risks.

Global economics context.

7

認知効率が良いインターフェースデザインが、ユーザー体験を左右する。

Interface design with good cognitive efficiency dictates the user experience.

Specialized UX design terminology.

8

法律の執行において効率が良い手続きは、司法の信頼性を高める。

Efficient procedures in law enforcement enhance the credibility of the judiciary.

Legal context.

Häufige Kollokationen

効率が良い勉強法
燃費(効率)が良い
仕事の効率が良い
効率が良い配置
エネルギー効率が良い
効率が良いルート
時間効率が良い
作業効率が良い
効率が良いやり方
資本効率が良い

Häufige Phrasen

効率を上げる

— To increase efficiency. Used when trying to improve a process.

AIを使って効率を上げる。

効率を追求する

— To pursue efficiency. Often used in corporate missions.

我が社は常に効率を追求している。

効率が落ちる

— Efficiency drops. Used when someone is tired or a system breaks.

疲れると効率が落ちる。

効率を重視する

— To prioritize efficiency. Used to describe a mindset.

彼は何よりも効率を重視する。

効率を考える

— To think about efficiency. A common advice.

まずは効率を考えて動きなさい。

効率の良さ

— The quality of being efficient (noun form).

この道具の効率の良さに驚いた。

効率第一

— Efficiency first. A slogan or motto.

効率第一で作業を進める。

効率を損なう

— To damage or hinder efficiency.

複雑なルールが効率を損なう。

効率を最大化する

— To maximize efficiency. Formal/Technical.

資源の効率を最大化する。

効率に欠ける

— To lack efficiency. A polite way to say inefficient.

その計画は効率に欠けている。

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"一石二鳥"

— Killing two birds with one stone. The ultimate example of being efficient.

散歩しながら買い物をするのは一石二鳥で効率が良い。

Common Idiom
"段取り八分"

— Preparation is 80% of the work. Implies that good prep leads to high efficiency.

段取り八分というから、準備を効率良くやろう。

Proverb
"急がば回れ"

— More haste, less speed. Sometimes the longer route is more efficient in the long run.

急がば回れで、丁寧に進める方が効率が良い。

Proverb
"無駄を省く"

— To cut out the fat/waste. The active verb for achieving efficiency.

無駄を省いて効率を良くする。

Neutral
"最短距離を行く"

— To take the shortest path. Used metaphorically for efficiency.

彼はいつも最短距離を行く効率が良い人だ。

Metaphor
"二度手間"

— Doing the same work twice (inefficient).

二度手間にならないよう、効率良くやろう。

Common phrase
"手抜き"

— Cutting corners (bad efficiency).

効率が良いのと手抜きは違う。

Negative connotation
"阿吽の呼吸"

— In perfect sync. Describes efficient teamwork without words.

二人は阿吽の呼吸で効率良く作業した。

Idiom
"朝飯前"

— Before breakfast; a piece of cake. Implies something is so efficient it's easy.

これくらいの仕事は朝飯前で効率良く終わる。

Idiom
"能率を上げる"

— To boost work rate. Often paired with 'kōritsu'.

新しい機械で能率を上げる。

Business
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