利害
lì hai HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

这个决定涉及很多利害关系。
Zhège juédìng shèjí hěn duō lìhài guānxì.
This decision involves many advantages and disadvantages.
他是一个非常利害的对手。
Tā shì yīgè fēicháng lìhài de duìshǒu.
He is a very formidable opponent.
我们必须分析这件事的利害。
Wǒmen bìxū fēnxī zhè jiàn shì de lìhài.
We must analyze the pros and cons of this matter.
他明白利害。
Tā míngbai lìhài.
He understands the stakes.
这关系利害。
Zhè guānxi lìhài.
This concerns interests.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the word into its parts: 利 (lì) means 'benefit' or 'advantage,' and 害 (hài) means 'harm' or 'disadvantage.' Think of it as 'benefit-harm' to remember it refers to weighing both sides. You can also associate it with the phrase '利害关系,' common in discussions about stakes or interests.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese, though it is more common in formal or analytical contexts, such as discussions about decisions, policies, or strategies. It often appears in phrases like '利害关系' (stakes or interests) to describe situations involving personal or collective interests and consequences.

📖 Grammar Points

利害 is typically used as a noun in fixed phrases, such as '利害关系' (stakes/interest relationship). It can be modified by verbs like '权衡' (weigh) or '考虑' (consider), e.g., '权衡利害' (weigh the pros and cons). It is not used as an adjective on its own in modern Chinese.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, considering 利害 reflects a pragmatic approach to decision-making, often emphasizing caution and foresight. It aligns with traditional values that prioritize harmony and avoiding unnecessary conflict by understanding the implications of one's actions on oneself and others.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to '利弊' (lìbì), which also means 'pros and cons,' 利害 is broader and can imply deeper stakes or consequences, often involving personal interests or harm. '利弊' is more neutral and commonly used for objective analysis, while 利害 may carry a stronger sense of impact or urgency.

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