Chinese word

管用

Pronunciation

Pinyinguǎn yòng

Meaning

  • adjectiveeffective

Example

这个药管用吗？zhè ge yào guǎn yòng ma

Is this medicine effective?

Illustration for 管用 (effective)

More examples

这个办法很管用，你可以试试。zhè ge bàn fǎ hěn guǎn yòng nǐ ké yǐ shì shì

This method is very effective, so you can give it a try.

Core concept

Something put to work delivers the result it is meant to deliver.

Common phrases

  • 很管用hěn guǎn yòng

    very effective

  • 对我管用duì wǒ guǎn yòng

    effective for me

  • 管用的方法guǎn yòng de fāng fǎ

    effective method

Similar words

有效yǒu xiào: Working as intended and bringing about the result that is expected.
有用yǒu yòng: Providing real help or value in a situation where it can be used.
实用shí yòng: Made or chosen for practical use in everyday situations.
灵验líng yàn: Showing a confirmed effect after being tried, especially of a traditional remedy or treatment.

Definition in Chinese

口语中用于评价某种方法或药物是否有效，侧重于实际可见或能感觉到的效果且语气随意。kóu yǔ zhōng yòng yú píng jià móu zhǒng fāng fǎ huò yào wù shì fǒu yǒu xiào cè zhòng yú shí jì kě jiàn huò néng gǎn jué dào de xiào guǒ qiě yǔ qì suí yì

Word origin

The compound places 管 (guǎn, "manage") before 用 (yòng, "use"), presenting usefulness as something that works in an actual situation.

Usage tips

  • English often separates practical value from successful results, but everyday Chinese can use this one adjective for both ideas.

Other meanings

  • usefuladjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word