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March 24, 2026
利益lìyì(li4yi4)
The term '利益' refers to benefits or interests that can be gained from a situation, often in a financial or economic context. It is commonly used in discussions about business, negotiations, or personal advantages, reflecting the idea of profit or gain that one might seek in various situations.
Frequency#3413DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '利益' is often linked to Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of balancing personal gain with the greater good. This reflects a societal focus on harmony and collective welfare.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads ('利') where they must weigh the benefits ('益') of each path. The character '利' looks like a knife cutting through obstacles, symbolizing the pursuit of gain, while '益' includes rain, nourishing growth. Together, they remind you that pursuing benefits often requires careful choices.
Meanings of 利益
lìyì(li4yi4)
1benefit
2(in sb's) interest
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About 利益
利益Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3413Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 利益
Podcast: 利益
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AI Study Notes for 利益
Quick Contrast
损益 (sǔnyì) - use 利益 when focusing on benefits or advantages gained, while 损益 encompasses both gains and losses in a financial context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads ('利') where they must weigh the benefits ('益') of each path. The character '利' looks like a knife cutting through obstacles, symbolizing the pursuit of gain, while '益' includes rain, nourishing growth. Together, they remind you that pursuing benefits often requires careful choices.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '利益' with similar terms like '好处' (hǎochù), which denotes a more general advantage. '利益' is more formal and often used in business contexts. Common collocations include '经济利益' (economic interests) and '个人利益' (personal interests), and remember to use the correct tones: 'li4' and 'yi4'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '利益' connects to other vocabulary concerning economics and social interactions. Students should focus on using it in context, especially in discussions about business practices and ethical considerations related to personal and collective interests.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '利益' is often linked to Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of balancing personal gain with the greater good. This reflects a societal focus on harmony and collective welfare.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '利益' with '利息' (lìxī, interest on loans), leading to incorrect phrases like '我想了解这个利益的利息.' The correct phrase should focus on benefits rather than financial interest, so use '我想了解这个交易的利益.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 利益
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Grammar Patterns of 利益
利益 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In the 1790s Tom Paine taught plebeian radicals that mankind would live in harmony were it not for the vested interest which princes, diplomats and soldiers had in promoting wars to enrich themselves.
Cultural Notes for 利益
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of '利益' is often linked to Confucian values, which emphasize the importance of balancing personal gain with the greater good. This reflects a societal focus on harmony and collective welfare.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
Unlike in many Western cultures where individual profit often takes precedence, Chinese discussions about '利益' frequently involve considerations of social harmony and the impact on the community.
Frequently Asked Questions about 利益
You can say, '在商业谈判中，双方都需要考虑各自的利益。' (In business negotiations, both parties need to consider their own interests.)
Yes, '利益' is often used in formal contexts such as business meetings or academic discussions.
It can be, but it may sound too formal. For casual discussions, using '好处' might be more appropriate.
