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March 24, 2026
利用lìyòng(li4yong4)
利用 (lìyòng) means to make use of something for a specific purpose or benefit. It can refer to utilizing resources, opportunities, or even people to achieve a goal. The word often carries a connotation of exploiting or taking advantage of something to maximize efficiency or gain.
Frequency#984DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 利用 is often seen in the context of resourcefulness and maximizing opportunities, especially in business practices. It reflects a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and efficiency.
Memory Tip
Think of 利 (lì) as 'profit' or 'benefit' and 用 (yòng) as 'use.' Picture a person using a tool (用) to create a profit (利), which helps you remember that 利用 is about using something effectively for gain.
Meanings of 利用
lìyòng(li4yong4)
1to exploit
2to make use of
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 利用
利用Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#984Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 利用
Podcast: 利用
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AI Study Notes for 利用
Quick Contrast
利用 (lìyòng) vs 使用 (shǐyòng) — use 利用 when implying a strategic or advantageous use, while 使用 is more neutral and simply means to use something.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 利 (lì) as 'profit' or 'benefit' and 用 (yòng) as 'use.' Picture a person using a tool (用) to create a profit (利), which helps you remember that 利用 is about using something effectively for gain.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 利用 can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to exploiting someone or something. It’s used in both formal and informal contexts, but be careful with collocations like '利用机会' (to take advantage of an opportunity). Remember the tonal pronunciation: 利 (lì) with a falling tone and 用 (yòng) with a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 利用 connects with other verbs of action and resource management. Students should focus on its application in different contexts, particularly in business and daily life scenarios. It’s a great word for discussing strategies and efficiency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 利用 is often seen in the context of resourcefulness and maximizing opportunities, especially in business practices. It reflects a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and efficiency.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 利用 with 使用, mistakenly using them interchangeably in contexts where 利用 implies a strategic advantage. For example, saying '利用我的手机打电话' (to utilize my phone to make a call) can sound awkward; instead, use '使用我的手机打电话.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 利用
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Grammar Patterns of 利用
利用 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 5 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.
He exploited his position for personal gain and was eventually fired by the company.
12
他总是利用别人的善良来达到自己的目的。
Tā zǒng shì lìyòng biérén de shànliáng lái dádào zìjǐ de mùdì.
He always exploits others' kindness to achieve his own goals.
13
那些公司利用员工的无知来减少成本。
Nàxiē gōngsī lìyòng yuángōng de wúzhī lái jiǎnshǎo chéngběn.
Those companies exploit employees' ignorance to reduce costs.
14
不法商人利用法律漏洞牟取暴利。
Bùfǎ shāngrén lìyòng fǎlǜ lòudòng móuqǔ bàolì.
Unscrupulous businessmen exploit legal loopholes to make huge profits.
15
她利用媒体的影响力来操控公众舆论。
Tā lìyòng méitǐ de yǐngxiǎnglì lái cāokòng gōngzhòng yúlùn.
She exploits the media's influence to manipulate public opinion.
Cultural Notes for 利用
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 利用 is often seen in the context of resourcefulness and maximizing opportunities, especially in business practices. It reflects a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and efficiency.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, 'to utilize' generally has a neutral meaning, while in Chinese, 利用 can imply a more strategic or opportunistic approach, sometimes with negative undertones.
Frequently Asked Questions about 利用
While both mean 'to use,' 利用 often implies making use of something to gain an advantage, whereas 使用 is more neutral and simply means to operate or employ something.
Yes, 利用 can be used positively when discussing the effective use of resources or opportunities, like '利用资源' (to utilize resources) for improvement.
Yes, 利用 is frequently used in both spoken and written Mandarin, especially in discussions about business and efficiency.
