機能（きのう、kinou）
- function

The Japanese word 機能 (きのう, kinou) primarily means "function," "capability," or "feature." It refers to the specific purpose or action that something is designed to do or is capable of performing. It can also describe the operation or working of something. This word is widely used to describe the function of a device, the function of a body part, the functions of a software program, or the function of an organization. It implies a practical, working aspect. It emphasizes what something *does* or *can do*. The word 機能する (kinou suru) is a verb form, meaning "to function" or "to operate." It encompasses the ability to work, perform, and serve a specific purpose.

⚫︎ このスマートフォンのカメラの機能は素晴らしいです。 Translation: The camera's function of this smartphone is amazing. ⚫︎ この機械の主要な機能は何ですか？ Translation: What is the main function of this machine? ⚫︎ 体の機能を維持するために、バランスの取れた食事が必要です。 Translation: A balanced diet is necessary to maintain the body's functions.

機能 is a very versatile word and is used in a wide range of situations. You can use it when discussing the capabilities of a product, the operations of a system, or even the purpose of something abstract. It's appropriate in both formal and informal conversations. If you want to describe something is working as it should, you can use the verb 機能する (kinou suru) "to function" such as: この機械は正常に機能する.

機能 is typically written in kanji, but it’s always pronounced き-の-う (ki-no-u). The kanji is 機 (ki, meaning machine, opportunity, or function) and 能 (nou, meaning ability, capacity, or function). The verb form is 機能する (kinou suru), where "suru" is a する-verb, which means "to do". Therefore, the okurigana is included.

⚫︎ 役割 (yakuwari): "role," "part," or "function." This emphasizes the purpose something serves. ⚫︎ 働き (hataraki): "function," "action," or "effect." This can be more general and emphasizes the active part of the function. ⚫︎ 能力 (nouryoku): "ability" or "capability." This emphasizes the potential to perform a certain function. ⚫︎ 性能 (seinou): "performance" or "functionality." This can be used for products, focusing on how well they perform.

⚫︎ 故障 (koshou): "breakdown" or "failure." ⚫︎ 欠陥 (kekkan): "defect" or "flaw." ⚫︎ 無効 (mukou): "invalid," "ineffective," or "void."

このアプリには便利な検索機能が備わっています。 ・Translation: This app is equipped with a convenient search function. ・Explanation: This sentence describes that an app has a specific feature that makes it useful.

彼の体の機能は年齢とともに衰えてきた。 ・Translation: His bodily functions have declined with age. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the changes of a body's capabilities over time.

The word 機能 is a compound word derived from Chinese. The first kanji, 機, originally referred to the components of a loom. It evolved to mean "machine," "opportunity," and also implies a system or mechanism. The second kanji, 能, originally depicted a servant on a table, but now represents "ability," "capacity," and "function." When combined, 機能 signifies the "function" or "capability" of something, emphasizing its purpose or what it does. The origin can be traced back to Chinese and has been incorporated into Japanese with the meaning remaining largely unchanged.