機能

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 機能, read きのう, and it combines 機, meaning mechanism or device, with 能, meaning ability.
• Basic usage: 機能 means a function, capability, or operation performed by a device or part of a living organism.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A measuring capability added to a device and a biological operation
  • Both examples use the form 機能. A clock has the added capability of measuring temperature, while leaves perform the biological function of making nutrients using light.
• A clock measuring temperature and leaves producing nutrients
  • この時計には温度を測る機能もあります。 — This clock also has a function for measuring temperature.
  • 葉には、光を受けて養分を作る重要な機能があります。 — Leaves have the important function of using light to make nutrients.