How to say "validity" in Japanese

• 効力こうりょくJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounCovers validity as binding or legal force — the effect that a contract, agreement, or official document has. Typical in legal and formal contexts, e.g. stating that a contract retains its force.
  その法律ほうりつはもう効力こうりょくはなくなっている。↗

  The law is not in effect any longer.
• 通用つうようJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers validity in the sense of a ticket, pass, or similar still being usable or accepted, and more broadly of things circulating or being in current use. Rarely the word for abstract legal validity; it is really about being in common use.

Use 効力 for validity as legal or binding force of documents, contracts, and agreements; use 通用 for something remaining usable or accepted, such as a ticket, pass, or currency still in circulation.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 効力こうりょくeffect
• 通用つうよう(common) use (of a language, currency, etc.)
• 妥当性だとうせいvalidity
• 有効性ゆうこうせいvalidity
• 合法性ごうほうせいlawfulness
• 正当性せいとうせいlawfulness