Japanese word

副作用

Pronunciation

Romajifukusayō

Meaning

  • nounside effect

Example

薬の副作用を医師に伝えます。kusuri no fuku sa yō o i shi ni tsuta e ma su

I will tell the doctor about the medicine's side effects.

Illustration for 副作用 (side effect)

More examples

副作用が出たら、すぐに薬剤師へ相談します。fuku sa yō ga de ta ra su gu ni yaku zai shi e sō dan shi ma su

If side effects occur, I will consult a pharmacist right away.

Core concept

Refers to an extra bodily effect of a medicine that is separate from the effect intended by treatment.

Common phrases

  • 副作用が出るfuku sa yō ga de ru

    experience side effects

  • 副作用があるfuku sa yō ga a ru

    have side effects

  • 副作用に注意するfuku sa yō ni chū i su ru

    watch for side effects

  • 副作用を抑えるfuku sa yō o osa e ru

    reduce side effects

Similar words

副反応fukuhannō: An unintended reaction to a medicine or treatment that occurs in addition to its intended effect.
有害作用yūgaisayō: A harmful effect produced by a medicine during treatment.

Definition in Japanese

薬などが本来の目的とは別に引き起こす、望ましくない影響や症状。kusuri na do ga hon rai no moku teki to wa betsu ni hi ki o ko su nozo ma shi ku na i ei kyō ya shō jō

Word origin

副作用 (fukusayō) is formed from 副 (fuku, "secondary") and 作用 (sayō, "effect"), so the word denotes a secondary effect of an action.

Usage tips

  • English speakers use side effect in phrases such as side effects of a drug, but the same phrase can also describe an unintended outcome in everyday topics.

Other meanings

  • adverse reactionnoun

Word lists with this word