利用
lì yòng HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他利用时间学习中文。
Tā lìyòng shíjiān xuéxí Zhōngwén.
He makes use of time to study Chinese.
公司利用新技术提高效率。
Gōngsī lìyòng xīn jìshù tígāo xiàolǜ.
The company takes advantage of new technology to improve efficiency.
她利用假期去旅行。
Tā lìyòng jiàqī qù lǚxíng.
She uses the holiday to travel.
我利用电脑工作。
Wǒ lìyòng diànnǎo gōngzuò.
I use the computer to work.
他利用时间学习。
Tā lìyòng shíjiān xuéxí.
He uses time to study.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the characters: 利 (lì) means 'benefit' or 'advantage,' and 用 (yòng) means 'to use.' So, 利用 is essentially 'to use for benefit.' Remember it can be for good (using resources wisely) or bad (using people selfishly).

📝 Usage Notes

This verb is common in both spoken and written Chinese, and is neutral in register (suitable for formal and informal contexts). It is frequently used in discussions about resources, technology, opportunities, or interpersonal relationships. The negative sense ('exploit') often appears when referring to people, as in the example sentence.

📖 Grammar Points

It is a transitive verb (利用 + object). It can be used in passive constructions (e.g., 被利用). In the negative sense, it often appears with adverbs like 在 to indicate an ongoing action (e.g., 她在利用你).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In interpersonal contexts, accusing someone of 利用你 ('using you') is a serious charge, implying manipulation or exploitation of trust, which is culturally frowned upon. In business or policy, it's often neutral, emphasizing efficiency.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 使用 (shǐyòng, 'to use' - neutral, common for tools/objects), 利用 often implies a strategic or beneficial purpose. 应用 (yìngyòng) means 'to apply' in a practical or technical sense, like applying knowledge, while 利用 is broader and can involve opportunism.

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