Chinese word

没用

Pronunciation

Pinyinméi yòng

Meaning

  • adjectiveuseless

Example

这把钥匙没用，打不开门。zhè bǎ yào shi méi yòng dǎ bù kāi mén

This key is useless, so it cannot open the door.

Illustration for 没用 (useless)

More examples

这个办法一点儿也没用。zhè ge bàn fǎ yì diǎnr yě méi yòng

This method is not useful at all.

Core concept

An object, method, or effort with no effective use or payoff.

Common phrases

  • 一点儿也没用yì diǎnr yě méi yòng

    not useful at all

  • 没用的借口méi yòng de jiè kǒu

    useless excuse

Similar words

无用wú yòng: Having no practical use or value, especially because it cannot serve its intended purpose.
无效wú xiào: Failing to produce the intended effect or result.
无益wú yì: Providing no benefit or helpful effect.

Definition in Chinese

起不到作用或没有价值，无法被有效使用或产生预期效果。qǐ bú dào zuò yòng huò méi yǒu jià zhí wú fǎ bèi yǒu xiào shǐ yòng huò chǎn shēng yù qī xiào guǒ

Word origin

没用 (méiyòng, "no use") combines 没 (méi, "not have") with 用 (yòng, "use"), so its literal structure presents a lack of practical function.

Usage tips

  • Applied to a person, this word can sound dismissive, while its use for a tool, plan, or attempt is a normal practical evaluation.

Other meanings

  • futileadjective
  • no goodadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word