In 15 Seconds
- Used when a method, medicine, or rule fails to work.
- Follows the Subject + 不起作用 structure simply.
- Focuses on the lack of effect or result produced.
Meaning
This phrase is used when something isn't having the effect you wanted. It's like saying 'it's not working' or 'it's ineffective' for medicine, advice, or even a broken remote.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about medicine
这种感冒药对我不起作用。
This cold medicine isn't working on me.
Discussing a failed plan
我们的新计划似乎不起作用。
Our new plan doesn't seem to be working.
Complaining to a friend
我求他也没用，我的话对他不起作用。
It's no use begging him; my words have no effect on him.
Cultural Background
The term 'zuòyòng' (作用) has roots in early translations of scientific and philosophical texts. It reflects a very practical Chinese worldview where the value of a thing is defined by its utility and impact on the environment.
The 'Subject' Secret
Always put the thing that is failing at the very start of the sentence. It makes your Chinese sound much more natural.
Don't use for People
If you say a person '不起作用', it sounds like you're calling them a useless tool. It's quite insulting!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a method, medicine, or rule fails to work.
- Follows the Subject + 不起作用 structure simply.
- Focuses on the lack of effect or result produced.
What It Means
不起作用 is your go-to phrase for when things fail to deliver. It literally means 'not starting a function.' Think of it as the gap between effort and results. You tried something, but nothing happened. It’s the verbal equivalent of a shoulder shrug.
How To Use It
Place it after the subject that is failing you. If your medicine isn't curing your cold, say 药不起作用. If your diet isn't working, say 减肥计划不起作用. It’s simple and follows a basic Subject + 不起作用 structure. You don't need fancy grammar here.
When To Use It
You can use this in almost any frustrating situation. Use it at the doctor’s office when treatment fails. Use it with friends when their dating advice is terrible. It’s great for technical issues too. If you keep clicking a button and nothing happens, it 不起作用.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for people who are lazy. If your coworker isn't working, use 不工作. 不起作用 is for the *effect* of an action or object. Also, don't use it for broken mechanical parts. If a car engine won't start, use 坏了. Use 不起作用 for abstract things like rules, methods, or medicine.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes 'results' and 'efficacy' (作用). There is a pragmatic streak in the language. If a method doesn't produce a visible change, it’s seen as 'useless.' This phrase reflects that focus on practical outcomes. It’s a very direct way to evaluate reality.
Common Variations
You might hear 没用 in casual settings. That just means 'useless.' 不起作用 is slightly more descriptive. It implies the *process* of functioning didn't even start. Another variation is 没效果, which specifically means 'no effect.' Use 不起作用 when you want to sound clear and objective.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, versatile phrase. It is safe for both professional reports and casual complaints, but avoid using it to describe a person's general worth.
The 'Subject' Secret
Always put the thing that is failing at the very start of the sentence. It makes your Chinese sound much more natural.
Don't use for People
If you say a person '不起作用', it sounds like you're calling them a useless tool. It's quite insulting!
The Power of 'Mei'
In spoken Chinese, people often shorten this to '没起作用'. Adding 'le' at the end (不起作用了) emphasizes that it *stopped* working.
Examples
6这种感冒药对我不起作用。
This cold medicine isn't working on me.
Commonly used for medical treatments.
我们的新计划似乎不起作用。
Our new plan doesn't seem to be working.
Used to evaluate business or personal strategies.
我求他也没用，我的话对他不起作用。
It's no use begging him; my words have no effect on him.
Used when someone ignores your advice or pleas.
这个按键不起作用了，是不是坏了？
This button isn't working; is it broken?
Describes a functional failure of a specific part.
咖啡对我已经不起作用了，我还是想睡觉。
Coffee doesn't work on me anymore; I still want to sleep.
A relatable joke about caffeine tolerance.
目前的政策对经济增长不起作用。
The current policies are not having an effect on economic growth.
Used in formal analysis of systems or laws.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to say the warning didn't work.
老师的警告对他___。
Warnings are abstract actions, so we use '不起作用' to say they had no effect.
Complete the sentence about a broken remote.
遥控器的电池没电了，所以它___。
When a device fails to function due to a cause like dead batteries, it '不起作用'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '不起作用'
Using '没用' with friends.
这招没用！
Standard everyday use of '不起作用'.
药不起作用。
Using '未见成效' in reports.
该方案未见成效。
When to say '不起作用'
Medicine
The pills don't help.
Advice
He didn't listen to me.
Technology
The key doesn't respond.
Rules
The law isn't stopping them.
Practice Bank
2 exercises老师的警告对他___。
Warnings are abstract actions, so we use '不起作用' to say they had no effect.
遥控器的电池没电了，所以它___。
When a device fails to function due to a cause like dead batteries, it '不起作用'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For a broken phone, say 手机坏了. Use 不起作用 for a specific feature, like 指纹解锁不起作用 (fingerprint unlock isn't working).
Yes, but it's more specific. 没用 is general 'uselessness,' while 不起作用 specifically means it failed to produce a reaction or function.
It is neutral. It’s perfectly fine to use with a boss or a doctor, as it sounds objective rather than emotional.
Just remove the 'bu' (not). Say 起作用了 (It's starting to work/take effect).
Only if you are talking about their influence. For example, 我的话对他不起作用 means 'My words have no effect on him.'
不工作 means 'not working' as in a job or a machine running. 不起作用 means the *result* or *influence* is missing.
Yes! If a face cream doesn't make you look younger, you can say 这个面霜不起作用.
Absolutely. It's a standard collocation that appears frequently in HSK 3 and 4 level materials.
No, it's standard Mandarin. It's used in news, textbooks, and daily conversation alike.
Yes, 减肥药不起作用 is a very common way to complain about diet pills not working.
Related Phrases
没用 (Useless)
无效 (Ineffective/Invalid)
起作用 (To take effect)
见效 (To see results)
白费力气 (A waste of effort)
