Chinese word

利用

Pronunciation

Pinyinlì yòng

Meaning

  • verbuse

Example

你可以利用这个网站学习中文。nǐ ké yǐ lì yòng zhè ge wǎng zhàn xué xí zhōng wén

You can use this website to study Chinese.

Illustration for 利用 (use)

More examples

他利用空闲时间看书。tā lì yòng kòng xián shí jiān kàn shū

He makes use of his free time to read.

Core concept

Making something already at hand serve a useful purpose.

Common phrases

  • 利用机会lì yòng jī huì

    make use of an opportunity

  • 利用时间lì yòng shí jiān

    make use of time

  • 利用资源lì yòng zī yuán

    make use of resources

Similar words

用yòng: Using a tool or method directly to do something.
使用shǐ yòng: Using equipment, facilities, or methods for a particular purpose.
运用yùn yòng: Applying knowledge, skills, or methods in a real situation.

Definition in Chinese

采用已有条件、工具或信息来实现预定目标或发挥作用。cǎi yòng yí yǒu tiáo jiàn gōng jù huò xìn xī lái shí xiàn yù dìng mù biāo huò fā huī zuò yòng

Word origin

利用 (lìyòng, "use for a purpose") joins 利 (lì, "benefit") and 用 (yòng, "put to use"), presenting use as a way to bring out practical value.

Usage tips

  • The word is usually neutral for time, information, tools, and opportunities, but 利用人 (lìyòng rén, "use a person") can sound critical because it suggests treating someone mainly as a means to an end.

Other meanings

  • make effective use ofverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 利用者lì yòng zhěusernoun
  • 利用率lì yòng lǜutilization ratenoun
  • 利用价值lì yòng jià zhíutility valuenoun

Word lists with this word