及ぼす

Core Meaning

To exert or cause an influence, effect, or damage to reach something or someone. It implies that something has an impact on another entity.

Nuance

Often used for both positive and negative impacts, but frequently carries a connotation of something unwelcome or significant. It's a more formal and impactful verb than simply 'to affect'.

Common Scenarios

Discussing the effects of policies, environmental changes, social trends, personal actions, or even abstract concepts on individuals, society, or the environment.

When you hear 「及ぼす」, pay attention to what is doing the influencing (the subject) and what is being influenced (the object). It's a powerful verb used in contexts where the consequence or impact is important.

Examples in Context

Environmental disasters can have devastating long-term effects on local ecosystems. (環境破壊は、地域生態系に壊滅的な長期的な影響を及ぼすことがある。)

His careless words had a negative impact on everyone's mood. (彼の不注意な言葉は、皆の気分に悪影響を及ぼした。)

The government's new policy aims to promote economic growth. (政府の新しい政策は、経済成長を促進する影響を及ぼすことを目指している。)

It is important to note that 「及ぼす」 is a transitive verb, meaning it requires an object that receives the influence or effect. You'll often see it followed by particles like 「に」 (ni) or 「を」 (o), depending on the specific nuance and grammatical structure.

Understanding 「及ぼす」 helps you grasp the depth of impact being described in Japanese. It's a word that signifies a consequence, a ripple effect, or a tangible outcome.

Further Examples

The company's decision to close the factory will affect the local community significantly. (工場の閉鎖という会社の決定は、地域社会に大きな影響を及ぼすだろう。)

Lack of sleep can negatively impact your cognitive functions. (睡眠不足は、認知機能に悪影響を及ぼすことがある。)

The new technology is expected to bring about significant changes in the industry. (新しい技術は、産業に大きな変化を及ぼすと予想されている。)

The verb 「及ぼす」 is a transitive verb, meaning it typically takes a direct object that receives the influence or effect. It often pairs with nouns that describe the nature of the impact, such as 影響 (eikyō - influence/effect), 悪影響 (akueikyō - negative influence/bad effect), or 変化 (henka - change). Understanding the grammatical particles used with 「及ぼす」 is crucial for accurate usage.

Common Structures

[Subject] は [Object] に [Noun of Effect] を及ぼす。
This is the most common structure. The subject is the entity causing the influence, and the object (preceded by 「に」) is the entity receiving it. The noun of effect (preceded by 「を」) specifies what kind of influence is being exerted.

Example Sentence Structure

環境問題は、地球全体に深刻な影響を及ぼしている。

Variations and Nuances

You might also see variations where the object receiving the influence is emphasized, or where the sentence focuses on the potential for influence.

Let's break down how to construct sentences effectively:

Sentence Pattern 1: General Influence

[Cause] は [Recipient] に [Effect Noun] を及ぼす。
This is the most common and straightforward pattern. The cause is the subject, the recipient is marked with 'ni', and the effect is marked with 'o'.

長引く不況は、国民の生活に大きな負担を及ぼした。

Sentence Pattern 2: Negative Impact

[Cause] は [Recipient] に 悪影響 を及ぼす。
This pattern specifically highlights a negative influence. The noun 悪影響 (akueikyō) means 'bad influence' or 'negative effect'.

過度なストレスは、心身の健康に悪影響を及ぼす可能性がある。

Sentence Pattern 3: Potential Impact

[Cause] は [Recipient] に [Effect Noun] を及ぼす 可能性がある/恐れがある。
This pattern is used to discuss the potential or feared consequences of something. 「可能性がある」 (kanōsei ga aru) means 'there is a possibility', and 「恐れがある」 (osore ga aru) means 'there is a fear/risk'.

この新技術の導入は、雇用にどのような影響を及ぼすか、まだ不明だ。

Sentence Pattern 4: Positive Influence

[Cause] は [Recipient] に [Positive Effect Noun] を及ぼす。
While often used for negative impacts, 「及ぼす」 can also describe positive influences. You would use a noun that signifies a positive outcome.

再生可能エネルギーへの転換は、環境保護に良い影響を及ぼすだろう。

Sentence Pattern 5: Abstract Subject

[Abstract Cause] は [Recipient] に [Effect Noun] を及ぼす。
The subject causing the influence doesn't have to be a concrete entity; it can be an abstract concept like 'policy', 'trend', or 'situation'.

政府の新しい政策は、社会全体に大きな変化を及ぼすと期待されている。

Sentence Pattern 6: Emphasis on the Recipient

[Recipient] には、[Cause] が [Effect Noun] を及ぼす。
Sometimes, the recipient is placed at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis, marked by 「には」 (ni wa).

地域経済には、このプロジェクトが多大な恩恵を及ぼすと見られている。

Sentence Pattern 7: Using a Verb Phrase as Cause

[Verb Phrase in nominalized form] は [Recipient] に [Effect Noun] を及ぼす。
The cause can also be expressed as a nominalized verb phrase (e.g., using 「こと」 or 「の」).

科学技術の急速な進歩は、私たちの生活様式に計り知れない影響を及ぼす。

Sentence Pattern 8: Passive Voice (less common)

While 「及ぼす」 is primarily active, a passive construction might be seen in very formal or academic contexts, focusing on the effect itself. However, it's more natural to use other phrasing.

その決定によって、多くの人々に影響が及ぼされた。

Practice creating sentences with different subjects and objects. Try to use 「及ぼす」 to describe the impact of current events, personal experiences, or hypothetical situations. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel.

「及ぼす」 is a word you'll encounter in various media and formal discussions where the impact or consequence of something is being analyzed. It's not typically used in casual, everyday chatter among close friends, but rather in contexts that require a more precise and impactful description of influence.

News Reports and Current Events

News articles frequently use 「及ぼす」 when discussing the effects of government policies, economic trends, natural disasters, or international relations. For example, a report might state that a new trade agreement will exert influence on the national economy, or that a typhoon has caused significant damage to infrastructure.

「この度の感染症拡大は、世界経済に未曽有の影響を及ぼしている。」

Academic and Research Papers

In academic settings, 「及ぼす」 is essential for describing research findings and theoretical impacts. Researchers use it to explain how a particular variable affects an outcome, or how a theory influences a field of study.

「喫煙は、肺がんの発症リスクに明確な影響を及ぼすことが示されている。」

Business and Economic Discussions

In business contexts, 「及ぼす」 is used to discuss the impact of market changes, corporate strategies, or technological advancements on sales, profits, or consumer behavior.

「新しい広告キャンペーンは、若年層の購買意欲に大きな影響を及ぼすと期待されている。」

Environmental and Social Commentary

Discussions about environmental protection, social justice, or cultural shifts often employ 「及ぼす」 to articulate the consequences of human actions or societal trends on the planet or its inhabitants.

「プラスチックごみの海洋流出は、海洋生物に深刻な被害を及ぼす。」

Formal Speeches and Presentations

In formal settings like speeches, lectures, or policy debates, 「及ぼす」 adds weight and formality to statements about cause and effect.

「皆様のご協力が、このプロジェクトの成功に不可欠な影響を及ぼすと確信しております。」

Listening to Japanese news, documentaries, or formal lectures will provide ample exposure to 「及ぼす」. Pay attention to the context and the specific nouns that follow it to understand the full scope of its usage.

While 「及ぼす」 is a powerful verb, learners sometimes make mistakes with its usage, particularly regarding formality, grammatical particles, and choosing appropriate nouns to describe the effect. Understanding these common errors can help you use the word more accurately.

Mistake 1: Using it in overly casual situations

「及ぼす」 is a formal verb. Using it in very casual conversations with friends might sound unnatural or overly academic. For instance, saying 「君の顔を見ただけで、私の気分に影響を及ぼしたよ。」 (just seeing your face influenced my mood) is a bit too formal for a casual chat.

Correct Usage Example:

In a more formal context, like a report or a speech: 「この政策変更は、地域経済に少なからぬ影響を及ぼすと予想されます。」 (This policy change is expected to exert a considerable influence on the regional economy.)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Particle Usage

While 「及ぼす」 takes 「を」 for the direct object (the effect), learners might incorrectly use other particles or forget the object altogether. Also, the particle before the recipient of the influence should typically be 「に」.

Correct Usage Example:

「彼の発言は、会議の雰囲気に緊張感を及ぼした。」 (His remarks exerted tension on the atmosphere of the meeting.) - Here, 「雰囲気に」 (fun'iki ni) is the recipient, and 「緊張感を」 (kinchōkan o) is the effect.

Mistake 3: Confusing with similar verbs

Verbs like 「影響する」 (eikyō suru - to affect) or 「与える」 (ataeru - to give/have an effect) are sometimes used interchangeably with 「及ぼす」, but 「及ぼす」 often implies a broader, more significant, or more pervasive influence.

Correct Usage Example:

「この新しい薬は、病気の進行を遅らせる効果を及ぼす。」 (This new medicine exerts an effect that slows down the progression of the disease.) - Here, 「効果を」 (kōka o) is the specific effect. Using 「影響する」 might be too general.

Mistake 4: Using it for direct actions rather than influence

「及ぼす」 is about causing an influence or effect, not about directly doing something to someone or something. For example, you wouldn't say 「彼に影響を及ぼした」 to mean 'I influenced him directly' in a simple sense; you'd describe the specific influence.

Correct Usage Example:

「彼の熱意あるプレゼンテーションは、聴衆に強い感銘を及ぼした。」 (His passionate presentation exerted a strong impression on the audience.) - The influence is on the audience's impression.

Mistake 5: Overusing negative connotations

While 「及ぼす」 is often used for negative effects, it can also describe neutral or positive influences. Relying solely on negative contexts might limit your understanding and usage.

Correct Usage Example:

「この地域の緑化活動は、生態系に良い影響を及ぼしている。」 (The greening activities in this region are exerting a positive influence on the ecosystem.)

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can refine your understanding and usage of 「及ぼす」, making your Japanese more accurate and nuanced.

While 「及ぼす」 is a specific and impactful verb, several other Japanese words can convey similar meanings of influence or effect. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate word for your intended message.

1. 影響する (eikyō suru)

Meaning: To affect, to influence. This is a more general and widely used verb than 「及ぼす」.

Usage Comparison: 「及ぼす」 often implies a more direct, significant, or widespread impact. 「影響する」 is more neutral and can describe a lighter or less defined effect.

Example (及ぼす): 新技術は産業構造に大きな影響を及ぼすだろう。 (New technology will exert a significant influence on the industrial structure.)

Example (影響する): 天候はイベントに影響する可能性がある。 (The weather might affect the event.)

2. 与える (ataeru)

Meaning: To give, to bestow, to cause (an effect). 「与える」 is very versatile and can be used to describe giving something, including an effect or impact.

Usage Comparison: 「与える」 is broader. When used with nouns like 「影響」 (influence) or 「ショック」 (shock), it functions similarly to 「及ぼす」 but can also mean simply 'to give'. 「及ぼす」 specifically emphasizes the spreading or reaching of an influence.

Example (及ぼす): 彼の言葉は、会議の雰囲気に重い沈黙を及ぼした。 (His words exerted a heavy silence on the atmosphere of the meeting.)

Example (与える): そのニュースは人々に大きなショックを与えた。 (That news gave people a big shock.)

3. もたらす (motarasu)

Meaning: To bring about, to cause, to result in. 「もたらす」 often implies bringing something positive or significant, though it can be neutral.

Usage Comparison: 「もたらす」 tends to focus on the outcome or result that is brought forth. 「及ぼす」 emphasizes the act of exerting or spreading the influence itself.

Example (及ぼす): 彼の行動は、チームの士気に悪影響を及ぼした。 (His actions exerted a negative influence on the team's morale.)

Example (もたらす): この改革は、社会に多大な恩恵をもたらすだろう。 (This reform will likely bring about great benefits to society.)

4. 作用する (sayō suru)

Meaning: To act (on), to have an effect (on). This is often used in scientific or technical contexts.

Usage Comparison: 「作用する」 is more technical and usually describes a specific mechanism of action or effect, often in chemistry, physics, or biology. 「及ぼす」 is more general and can apply to social or abstract influences.

Example (及ぼす): 彼の発言は、政治情勢に複雑な影響を及ぼした。 (His remarks exerted a complex influence on the political situation.)

Example (作用する): この薬は胃酸の分泌を抑えるように作用する。 (This medicine acts to suppress stomach acid secretion.)

By understanding these distinctions, you can use 「及ぼす」 and its related words with greater precision and confidence, enhancing the sophistication of your Japanese.