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B1 noun #4,000 most common 8 min read

实用性

shiyongxing Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 实用性 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 实用性 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) often, as it is a bit complex. However, you can understand it by looking at its parts. '实' means real, and '用' means use. So, it is about things that are 'really useful.' At this stage, you usually use the word '有用' (yǒuyòng), which means 'to have use' or 'useful.' For example, you might say, 'This book is very useful' (这本书很有用). 实用性 is just a more formal way to talk about the 'usefulness' of something. Imagine you are buying a pen. If the pen writes well and is easy to carry, it has good 实用性. If it looks pretty but doesn't write, it has no 实用性. You will mostly see this word in stores or when people talk about tools and clothes. Think of it as the 'use-power' of an object. Even though it's a long word, focus on the '用' (use) part, and you will remember what it means. It's a noun, so you use it like a thing. You can say 'The 实用性 is good' or 'The 实用性 is bad.' Just remember: '实' (real) + '用' (use) + '性' (nature/quality) = Practicality!

At the A2 level, you are starting to describe things in more detail. 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) is a great word to use when you want to sound a bit more professional or serious than just saying '有用.' You might use it when talking about why you bought a certain phone or why you like a particular app. For example, '这个手机的实用性很高' (This phone's practicality is very high). Here, you are using '性' (xìng) which makes the word a noun, like '-ity' in 'practicality.' At this level, you should practice using the pattern: '[Something] 的实用性 [Adjective].' Usually, the adjectives are '强' (qiáng - strong/high) or '好' (hǎo - good). You might also hear it when people talk about learning Chinese. They might say, 'Learning Chinese has high 实用性' because you can use it to talk to many people. It’s different from '漂亮' (piàoliang - beautiful) because 实用性 is about how a thing works, not how it looks. If you go to a market, you might hear a seller say their product is '实用的' (practical). The word 实用性 is just the name for that quality. It helps you explain your choices more clearly to your friends and teachers.

At the B1 level, 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) becomes a very important word for your vocabulary. You are now expected to discuss topics like technology, education, and lifestyle. 实用性 is a key term in these discussions. It refers to the quality of being useful or suitable for a specific purpose. You should distinguish it from the adjective '实用.' For instance, you can say '这套家具很实用' (This furniture is very practical), but when you want to discuss the *concept* of practicality, you use 实用性. A common phrase you might use is '考虑到实用性' (considering practicality). For example, '考虑到实用性，我买了这辆车' (Considering practicality, I bought this car). This shows you are making a logical decision. You will also encounter this word in reading passages about design or economy. It often appears in contrast to words like '美观' (měiguān - aesthetic/beautiful) or '理论' (lǐlùn - theory). You are expected to understand that Chinese culture often values 实用性 highly. When you write essays at this level, using 实用性 instead of just 有用 will make your writing sound more advanced and precise. It shows you understand how to use abstract nouns to evaluate ideas and objects.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) fluently in both spoken and written Chinese. You should understand its nuances in professional contexts. For example, in a business proposal, you might argue that a project has '广泛的实用性' (broad practicality), meaning it can be applied in many different areas. You should also be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '实用性与美观性的平衡' (the balance between practicality and aesthetics). At this level, you will notice that 实用性 is often used to critique things that are too theoretical. You might hear someone say, '你的理论很有趣，但缺乏实用性' (Your theory is interesting, but lacks practicality). This is a common way to give constructive feedback in academic or professional settings. You should also be familiar with related terms like '功能性' (functionality) and '可行性' (feasibility) and know when to use 实用性 instead. For instance, while '可行性' is about whether a plan can be carried out, 实用性 is about whether it is worth doing because of its utility. Mastery of this word at B2 level involves not just knowing the definition, but understanding its role in the 'argumentative' side of the Chinese language—using it to justify or criticize choices based on pragmatic value.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) should extend to its philosophical and cultural implications. You should be able to discuss '实用主义' (shíyòng zhǔyì - pragmatism) and how the focus on 实用性 has shaped modern Chinese society and urban development. In high-level literature or social commentary, the word might be used to discuss the 'utilitarian' nature of modern relationships or education systems, sometimes with a slightly critical tone if it implies that spiritual or aesthetic values are being ignored. You should be comfortable using the word in formal reports, such as evaluating the '社会实用性' (social utility) of a new law or policy. You should also recognize its use in classical-modern hybrid phrases like '经世致用' (jīng shì zhì yòng), which is an ancient concept of making scholarship practical for society, a precursor to the modern concept of 实用性. At this level, you should be able to nuance your speech by using adverbs like '极具' (jí jù - possesses to an extreme degree) or '不无' (bù wú - not without). For example, '此项技术的实用性不无疑问' (The practicality of this technology is not without doubt). This level of precision allows you to engage in deep discussions about design philosophy, economic strategy, and social values.

At the C2 level, 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) is a tool for precise conceptual analysis. You should be able to deconstruct the term within the framework of various disciplines. In the field of epistemology, you might discuss the 实用性 of a truth-claim within a pragmatic framework. In architecture, you might analyze the tension between 'pure form' and 实用性 in the works of modernists versus postmodernists. You should be able to use the term in highly sophisticated structures, such as '实用性之于设计，犹灵魂之于躯体' (Practicality is to design what the soul is to the body). Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the word's weight in Chinese discourse, where it often serves as a ultimate justification for policy shifts or technological investments. You should also be able to identify and use more obscure synonyms or related classical terms that elevate the register of your speech. Furthermore, you should be able to navigate the subtle social cues when 实用性 is used as a euphemism; for instance, describing a gift as '具有实用性' might subtly imply it is not particularly exciting or luxurious, but rather mundane and functional. At C2, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its connotations and its place in the broader intellectual landscape of the Chinese-speaking world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

实用性 in 30 Seconds

A noun meaning 'practicality' or 'utility'.
Used to evaluate how useful something is in real life.
Common in business, design, and academic contexts.
Often paired with '强' (strong) or '高' (high).

The term 实用性 (shíyòngxìng) is a vital noun in the Chinese lexicon, bridging the gap between abstract concepts and real-world application. At its core, it refers to the 'practicality' or 'utility' of an object, idea, or method. In a linguistic sense, it is composed of three distinct characters: shí (实 - solid, real), yòng (用 - use), and xìng (性 - nature, property). When combined, they describe the inherent quality of being applicable to actual situations rather than remaining purely theoretical or ornamental.

Product Design: When engineers or designers discuss a new gadget, they focus on its 实用性 to ensure it solves a user's problem rather than just looking sleek on a shelf. A chair might be beautiful, but if it is uncomfortable to sit in, it lacks 实用性.

在选择家具时，我更看重它的实用性，而不是外观。(When choosing furniture, I value its practicality more than its appearance.)

This word is extremely common in professional and academic environments. In business, a proposal's 实用性 determines whether it receives funding. In education, teachers often evaluate the 实用性 of a curriculum by asking if students can apply the knowledge in their future careers. It is the antithesis of 'form over function.' If something is described as having low 实用性, it is often criticized as being 'flashy but useless' (华而不实).

Academic Context: In research, the 实用性 of a theory is its ability to be tested and implemented in clinical or social settings. Researchers strive for high 实用性 to ensure their work impacts society positively.

这种新技术的实用性还需要进一步验证。(The practicality of this new technology still needs further verification.)

Culturally, the concept of 实用性 is deeply embedded in Chinese pragmatism. Since the reform and opening-up era, there has been a significant emphasis on 'practical results.' This mindset permeates daily life—from the way parents encourage children to study 'useful' subjects like engineering or medicine, to the way consumers prioritize battery life and durability over brand prestige. Understanding this word gives you a window into the pragmatic value system often found in modern Chinese society.

Daily Life: When buying a car, a family might discuss the 实用性 of a large trunk versus a sporty engine. Practicality usually wins for those prioritizing family needs.

虽然这个软件功能很多，但实用性并不强。(Although this software has many functions, its practicality is not very strong.)

Using 实用性 correctly requires understanding its role as an abstract noun. It rarely acts as a simple adjective (for that, use 实用). Instead, it is the subject or object of a sentence focused on evaluation or quality. In Chinese grammar, it often follows a possessive '的' (de) to indicate the practicality of a specific thing.

As a Subject: 实用性是这个设计的核心。(Practicality is the core of this design.) Here, the word defines the primary characteristic of the subject.

我们要确保方案的实用性。(We need to ensure the practicality of the plan.)

One of the most common structures involves modifying the word with adjectives like '强' (qiáng - strong/high) or '弱' (ruò - weak/low). Unlike English, where we might say 'very practical,' in Chinese, we often say 'the practicality is strong' (实用性很强). This is a hallmark of formal and semi-formal Chinese speech.

Collocation with Adjectives: Common pairings include: 实用性极高 (extremely high practicality), 实用性不足 (insufficient practicality), and 实用性广泛 (broad practicality/applicability).

这个工具在日常生活中实用性很强。(This tool has strong practicality in daily life.)

In comparative sentences, 实用性 is used to weigh options. For example, when comparing two coding languages, one might say 'Python's 实用性 is higher for beginners.' This usage shifts the focus from a personal opinion to an objective evaluation of the tool's utility. It is also frequently found in the 'A 比 B 更具实用性' (A has more practicality than B) structure.

Comparative Usage: Compared to theoretical physics, applied mathematics focuses more on 实用性. This helps delineate the boundaries between different fields of study.

比起美观，我更在意实用性。(I care more about practicality than beauty.)

You will encounter 实用性 in environments where decisions are being made based on efficiency and results. It is a 'serious' word, but not so formal that it's excluded from casual conversation about shopping or planning. If you are watching a tech review on Bilibili or YouTube, the reviewer will almost certainly use this word to describe the value of a new smartphone or laptop.

Tech Reviews: Reviewers often say, '这款产品的实用性超出了我的预期' (The practicality of this product exceeded my expectations), referring to battery life, port selection, or software features.

这种折叠屏手机的实用性还有待商榷。(The practicality of this foldable phone is still open to debate.)

In the workplace, particularly in project management or engineering, 实用性 is a buzzword. During a sprint planning session or a design review, a manager might ask, '这个功能的实用性在哪里？' (Where is the practicality of this feature?). This is a polite way of asking if the feature is actually necessary or just a waste of resources. It focuses the team on user needs rather than technical vanity.

Workplace Meetings: In a meeting, you might hear: '我们需要平衡美学和实用性' (We need to balance aesthetics and practicality). This is a common challenge in creative industries.

在设计新系统时，我们必须优先考虑实用性。(When designing the new system, we must prioritize practicality.)

In the context of government or social policy, the word appears in news reports discussing '实用性人才' (practical talents). This refers to vocational training and ensuring that the workforce has skills that are immediately applicable to the economy. It highlights a shift away from purely academic or theoretical education toward skill-based learning that meets market demands.

News & Policy: Reports often emphasize the 实用性 of social welfare programs, ensuring they reach those in need effectively and efficiently.

政府正在推广具有高度实用性的职业教育。(The government is promoting vocational education with high practicality.)

For English speakers, the most frequent error is confusing the noun 实用性 with the adjective 实用. While they share the same root, their grammatical functions are strictly separate. You can say '这件衣服很实用' (This piece of clothing is very practical), but you cannot say '这件衣服很实用性.' The latter is like saying 'This clothing is very practicality' in English.

Confusing Noun and Adjective: Incorrect: 这种方法很实用性。(This method is very practicality.) Correct: 这种方法很实用。(This method is very practical.) OR 这种方法的实用性很强。(The practicality of this method is very strong.)

错误：他的建议没有实用。(Incorrect: His suggestion has no practical.) 正确：他的建议没有实用性。(Correct: His suggestion has no practicality.)

Another mistake involves confusing 实用性 with 实际 (shíjì - reality/actual). While related, 实际 refers to the state of things as they truly are, whereas 实用性 refers to the quality of being useful. If you say '实际情况' (actual situation), you cannot replace it with '实用性情况.' One is about truth; the other is about utility.

Contextual Misuse: Mistaking 'practical' (realistic) for 'practical' (useful). If a plan is 'practical' because it is doable, use '可行性' (kěxíngxìng - feasibility). If it is 'practical' because it serves a purpose, use '实用性'.

虽然计划很完美，但缺乏可行性。(Although the plan is perfect, it lacks feasibility—often confused with practicality.)

Lastly, learners sometimes over-complicate simple sentences. If you just want to say something is 'useful,' the word '有用' (yǒuyòng) is often better for casual conversation. Using 实用性 in a very casual setting (like talking about a spoon) can sound slightly overly-academic or 'stiff' (生硬). Save 实用性 for when you are discussing the *quality* or *evaluation* of usefulness.

To truly master 实用性, you must distinguish it from its synonyms. The Chinese language has several words that touch on usefulness, each with a specific nuance. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right word for the right context.

实用性 vs. 功能性 (gōngnéngxìng): 功能性 refers to 'functionality'—the range of things a product can do. 实用性 is about how *useful* those functions actually are. A Swiss Army knife has high 功能性 (many functions), but if the blades are dull, its 实用性 is low.

这款包不仅功能性强，而且非常具有实用性。(This bag is not only functional but also very practical.)

Another common comparison is with kěxíngxìng (可行性 - feasibility). While 实用性 asks 'Is this useful?', 可行性 asks 'Can this be done?'. A plan to build a bridge out of diamonds might have high 实用性 (diamonds are strong), but zero 可行性 (it's too expensive and difficult to build).

实用性 vs. 有用 (yǒuyòng): 有用 is a simple adjective meaning 'useful.' It is the casual, everyday version of 实用性. You would say a hammer is 有用, but you would discuss the 实用性 of a new construction methodology.

学习外语非常有用，因为它的实用性在工作中很明显。(Learning a foreign language is very useful because its practicality is obvious at work.)

Lastly, consider shìyòngxìng (适用性 - applicability/suitability). This is very similar to 实用性 but focuses on whether something is *appropriate* for a specific situation. A winter coat has high 实用性 in general, but its 适用性 in the Sahara Desert is zero. 实用性 is about general utility; 适用性 is about situational fit.

Comparison Table Summary: Use 实用性 for general utility. Use 功能性 for features. Use 可行性 for can-do capability. Use 适用性 for situational fit.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '用' (yòng) is one of the most stable characters in Chinese history, looking very similar in its oracle bone script form to how it looks today!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃǐ yʊ̂ŋ ɕîŋ/

US /ʃǐ joʊŋ ɕiŋ/

The stress is balanced across the three syllables, but the third syllable '性' often feels slightly shorter as a suffix.

Rhymes With

理性 (lǐxìng) 感性 (gǎnxìng) 个性 (gèxìng) 可能性 (kěnéngxìng) 安全性 (ānquánxìng) 稳定性 (wěndìngxìng) 复杂性 (fùzáxìng) 重要性 (zhòngyàoxìng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shi' like 'see'.
Pronouncing 'xing' like 'king'.
Mixing up the tones, especially changing 'yong' (4th tone) to 1st tone.
Forgetting the nasal 'ng' sound at the end of 'yong' and 'xing'.
Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' like in 'taxi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but the abstract nature of the noun requires context to grasp fully.

Writing 4/5

Writing '实用性' requires remembering several strokes, especially for '实' and '性'.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but using it naturally in a sentence takes practice.

Listening 2/5

The 'yong' and 'xing' sounds are distinct and usually easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

有用 (useful) 使用 (to use) 实际 (reality) 真实 (real) 性格 (character/nature)

Learn Next

可行性 (feasibility) 功能性 (functionality) 适用性 (applicability) 效率 (efficiency) 优化 (optimization)

Advanced

功利主义 (utilitarianism) 实践论 (On Practice - Mao's essay) 逻辑严密性 (logical rigor) 普适性 (universality)

Grammar to Know

The suffix '-性' (-ity/-ness)

重要 (important) -> 重要性 (importance); 实用 (practical) -> 实用性 (practicality).

Noun + 强/弱 (Strength of a quality)

实用性强 (High practicality); 实用性弱 (Low practicality).

Possessive '的' with abstract nouns

工具的实用性 (The tool's practicality).

Using '具有' (to possess) for abstract qualities

这种方法具有很强的实用性。

Verb '看重' (to value/care about) + Noun

我非常看重实用性。

Examples by Level

这个包很有用，实用性很好。

This bag is very useful; its practicality is good.

A1 learners can use '实用性' with '好' (good) to describe a product.

我不买那个，因为它没有实用性。

I won't buy that because it has no practicality.

Using '没有' (to not have) with '实用性' is a simple way to express lack of utility.

这件衣服的实用性很高。

The practicality of this piece of clothing is very high.

Using '高' (high) to describe the degree of practicality.

笔的实用性很重要。

The practicality of a pen is very important.

'很重要' (is very important) is a common predicate for '实用性'.

老师说，我们要看实用性。

The teacher said we need to look at practicality.

'看' (to look at/consider) is a simple verb to use with this noun.

这个桌子有实用性吗？

Does this table have practicality?

A basic question structure using '有...吗?'.

我喜欢实用性强的东西。

I like things with strong practicality.

'实用性强' is a fixed-like phrase meaning 'very practical'.

实用性是什么意思？

What does practicality mean?

A standard question for learning new vocabulary.

在超市买东西，我先看实用性。

When buying things at the supermarket, I look at practicality first.

Using '先' (first) to show priority in decision making.

这种新手机的实用性比旧的高。

The practicality of this new phone is higher than the old one.

A comparison structure: 'A 的 [noun] 比 B 的 [noun] 高'.

为了实用性，他买了一辆大车。

For the sake of practicality, he bought a big car.

'为了' (for/for the sake of) establishes the reason for an action.

我觉得这个礼物的实用性不太强。

I think this gift's practicality is not very strong.

'不太强' (not very strong) is a polite way to criticize something.

你觉得学习英语的实用性大吗？

Do you think the practicality of learning English is great?

Using '大' (great/big) to describe the extent of utility.

我们应该讨论一下方案的实用性。

We should discuss the practicality of the plan.

'讨论一下' (discuss a bit) indicates a collaborative action.

这个工具的实用性让她很满意。

The practicality of this tool made her very satisfied.

The noun '实用性' acts as the subject that causes a feeling.

虽然它很贵，但实用性很差。

Although it's expensive, its practicality is very poor.

Using '虽然...但...' to show contrast.

设计师需要在美观和实用性之间找到平衡。

Designers need to find a balance between aesthetics and practicality.

The structure '在 A 和 B 之间' (between A and B) is common for comparisons.

这个软件的实用性在工作中得到了体现。

The practicality of this software was reflected in the work.

'得到体现' (to be reflected/embodied) is a formal passive structure.

考虑到实用性，我们决定取消这个功能。

Considering practicality, we decided to cancel this feature.

'考虑到' (considering) is used to introduce a factor in decision-making.

这种材料的实用性已经通过了测试。

The practicality of this material has already passed the test.

'通过了测试' (passed the test) implies objective verification.

提高产品的实用性是我们的主要目标。

Improving the practicality of the product is our main goal.

'提高' (to improve/increase) is a standard verb for qualities like practicality.

这篇文章详细分析了该政策的实用性。

This article analyzed the practicality of the policy in detail.

'详细分析' (to analyze in detail) is a common academic phrase.

比起理论知识，我更看重实践中的实用性。

I value practicality in practice more than theoretical knowledge.

'更看重' (to value more) shows a preference for a specific quality.

实用性是评价一个工具好坏的重要标准。

Practicality is an important standard for evaluating whether a tool is good or bad.

'评价...的标准' (standard for evaluating...) is a high-level structure.

该方案虽然极具创意，但实用性仍有待验证。

Although the plan is very creative, its practicality still needs to be verified.

'有待验证' (remains to be verified) is a formal way to express doubt.

我们必须增强课程的实用性，以满足市场需求。

We must enhance the practicality of the curriculum to meet market demands.

'增强' (to enhance) and '满足需求' (to meet needs) are formal collocations.

实用性是该品牌在竞争激烈的市场中取胜的关键。

Practicality is the key to the brand's victory in a highly competitive market.

'取胜的关键' (the key to winning) emphasizes the importance of the noun.

这种药物的临床实用性受到了专家的质疑。

The clinical practicality of this drug has been questioned by experts.

'受到...的质疑' (to be questioned by...) is a standard formal passive.

在建筑设计中，实用性往往高于装饰性。

In architectural design, practicality is often higher than decorativeness.

Suffixing '-性' to multiple words (实用性, 装饰性) creates parallel concepts.

他过于追求艺术感，而忽略了产品的实用性。

He pursued artistic feel too much and neglected the practicality of the product.

'忽略' (to neglect) is used here to show a negative consequence.

该软件通过简化操作流程，极大地提升了实用性。

The software greatly improved its practicality by simplifying the operation process.

'通过...极大地提升了...' (through... greatly improved...) is a sophisticated causal link.

我们不仅要考虑其经济价值，还要评估其长期实用性。

We not only need to consider its economic value but also evaluate its long-term practicality.

'评估' (to evaluate) is a professional verb choice.

在当今社会，实用性往往被视为衡量成功的唯一尺度。

In today's society, practicality is often seen as the sole measure of success.

'被视为...的尺度' (is seen as the measure of...) is an advanced metaphorical structure.

该研究的实用性在于它为城市交通问题提供了切实可行的方案。

The practicality of the research lies in the fact that it provides a feasible solution for urban traffic problems.

'在于' (lies in) is used to explain the essence or reason of a concept.

过于强调实用性可能会导致人文精神的缺失。

Overemphasizing practicality may lead to the loss of humanistic spirit.

'导致...的缺失' (lead to the loss/lack of...) is a high-level critique.

实用性与创新性并非水火不容，而是可以相辅相成的。

Practicality and innovativeness are not incompatible; they can complement each other.

Using idioms like '水火不容' (incompatible) and '相辅相成' (complementary) elevates the register.

这种哲学思想的实用性在危机时刻得到了充分的验证。

The practicality of this philosophical thought was fully verified in times of crisis.

'充分的验证' (full verification) indicates a high degree of proof.

评价一个理论时，我们不能只看其逻辑严密性，更要看其社会实用性。

When evaluating a theory, we cannot just look at its logical rigor; we must also look at its social utility.

'不仅...更要...' (not only... but even more...) is used for emphasis.

该产品的实用性广受好评，使其迅速占领了市场。

The product's practicality received widespread praise, allowing it to quickly occupy the market.

'广受好评' (widely praised) is a common set phrase in business news.

在法律制定过程中，实用性是确保法律得以有效执行的前提。

In the process of law-making, practicality is the prerequisite for ensuring the law can be effectively enforced.

'...是...的前提' (...is the prerequisite of...) is a logical defining structure.

实用性之于现代工业设计，正如灵魂之于躯体，不可或缺。

Practicality is to modern industrial design what the soul is to the body—indispensable.

The 'A 之于 B，正如 C 之于 D' structure is a classic high-level analogy.

在后现代主义视角下，实用性往往被解构为一种权力话语的体现。

From a postmodern perspective, practicality is often deconstructed as an embodiment of power discourse.

'被解构为' (be deconstructed as) and '权力话语' (power discourse) are academic terms.

过度追求实用性或将导致审美疲劳及创造力的枯竭。

Excessive pursuit of practicality may lead to aesthetic fatigue and the exhaustion of creativity.

'或将' (may/will likely) is a very formal way to express future possibility.

该学说的实用性不仅体现在技术层面，更渗透到了伦理抉择之中。

The practicality of this doctrine is not only reflected at the technical level but also permeates ethical choices.

'渗透到...之中' (permeate into...) suggests a deep, subtle influence.

我们应当辩证地看待实用性，避免陷入狭隘的功利主义泥潭。

We should look at practicality dialectically and avoid falling into the mire of narrow utilitarianism.

'辩证地看待' (look at dialectically) is a common phrase in Chinese intellectual discourse.

其作品在保持高度艺术水准的同时，亦不失极强的实用性。

His works maintain a high artistic level while simultaneously possessing strong practicality.

'亦不失' (also does not lack) is a sophisticated way to show balance.

实用性作为评价标准，其内涵随时代变迁而不断演进。

As an evaluation standard, the connotation of practicality evolves continuously with the changes of the times.

'随...而...' (with... then...) shows a concurrent change.

若一味考量实用性而罔顾人文关怀，则建筑终将沦为冰冷的机器。

If one only considers practicality and disregards humanistic care, architecture will ultimately degenerate into cold machines.

'若...而罔顾...则...' (If... and disregards... then...) is a formal conditional structure.

Synonyms

可用性实际用途功能性行得通

Antonyms

装饰性虚幻性

Common Collocations

实用性强

考虑实用性

提高实用性

缺乏实用性

实用性极高

评估实用性

广泛的实用性

追求实用性

实用性与美观

验证实用性

Common Phrases

具有实用性

— To possess practicality. Used to describe the quality of an object.

这个发明非常具有实用性。

实用性人才

— Practical talents. Refers to people with vocational or applied skills.

社会需要大量的实用性人才。

实用性价值

— Practical value. The worth of something based on its utility.

这本书具有很高的实用性价值。

失去实用性

— To lose practicality. When something becomes obsolete or useless.

随着技术发展，旧设备逐渐失去了实用性。

实用性建议

— Practical suggestions. Advice that can be easily followed.

谢谢你给我提供了这么多实用性建议。

生活实用性

— Daily life practicality. Usefulness in everyday situations.

这款厨具的生活实用性很不错。

注重实用性

— To emphasize practicality. To focus on utility over other factors.

他在工作中非常注重实用性。

实用性考察

— Practicality investigation. Checking if something works as intended.

我们需要对该系统进行实用性考察。

实用性原则

— The principle of practicality. A rule prioritizing utility.

我们的设计应遵循实用性原则。

实用性软件

— Utility software. Apps designed for specific useful tasks.

手机里装了很多实用性软件。

Often Confused With

实用性 vs 实用

实用 is an adjective (practical), while 实用性 is a noun (practicality). You can't say '很实用性'.

实用性 vs 实际

实际 means 'actual' or 'reality'. 实用性 means 'utility'. You can have an actual situation (实际情况) but not a practical situation (实用性情况).

实用性 vs 可行性

可行性 is feasibility (can we do it?). 实用性 is utility (is it useful?). A plan can be practical but not feasible.

Idioms & Expressions

"华而不实"

— Flashy but without substance. Used as the opposite of 实用性.

这个方案华而不实，根本无法落地。

Literary

"经世致用"

— Scholarship should be applied to the benefit of society. An ancient root of practicality.

儒家思想中也包含经世致用的传统。

Academic

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts. Related to the '实' (real) in 实用性.

我们评价产品时要实事求是。

Formal

"名副其实"

— The name matches the reality. If something is called practical, it actually is.

这款车真的是名副其实，非常实用。

Neutral

"大而无当"

— Large but useless. Describes something lacking 实用性 due to size.

那个建筑大而无当，浪费了很多空间。

Literary

"有的放矢"

— To have a target for the arrow. Doing things with a clear, practical purpose.

我们的改进要有的放矢，提高实用性。

Formal

"一技之长"

— A professional skill. Usually refers to a practical skill for earning a living.

年轻人应该学一技之长，增加实用性。

Neutral

"纸上谈兵"

— Military tactics on paper. Theoretical discussion without 实用性.

不考虑实际情况的计划只是纸上谈兵。

Literary

"脚踏实地"

— To have one's feet on solid ground. Being realistic and practical.

只有脚踏实地，才能做出有实用性的产品。

Neutral

"物尽其用"

— Make the best use of everything. Maximizing the 实用性 of objects.

我们要物尽其用，不要浪费资源。

Neutral

Easily Confused

实用性 vs 适用性

Sounds similar and both end in '性'.

实用性 is general utility. 适用性 is suitability for a specific context or person.

这把伞很实用，但在大风天它的适用性不强。

实用性 vs 功能性

Both describe what a product can do.

功能性 is the number/type of features. 实用性 is how useful those features are.

这款手机功能性很强，但因为太复杂，实用性反而变差了。

实用性 vs 有用

Same basic meaning.

有用 is a simple adjective used in speech. 实用性 is a formal noun used for analysis.

这个建议很有用。/ 我们要分析这个建议的实用性。

实用性 vs 实惠

Both relate to 'getting your money's worth'.

实惠 is about price and quantity (a good deal). 实用性 is about the quality of being useful.

这顿饭很实惠。/ 这个厨具的实用性很强。

实用性 vs 有效性

Both relate to results.

有效性 is effectiveness (does it work?). 实用性 is practicality (is it convenient and useful?).

我们要测试药物的有效性，也要考虑其服用的实用性。

Sentence Patterns

A 的实用性很 [Adjective]

这个包的实用性很大。

考虑到实用性，[Subject] [Action]

考虑到实用性，我买了这双鞋。

[Subject] 具有很强的实用性

这种方法具有很强的实用性。

在 A 和 B 之间，我更看重实用性

在外观和实用性之间，我更看重实用性。

[Subject] 的实用性有待验证

这个新功能的实用性有待验证。

实用性是评价 [Noun] 的重要标准

实用性是评价一个设计的重要标准。

不仅要考虑 [Noun A]，更要注重 [Noun B] 的实用性

不仅要考虑成本，更要注重方案的实用性。

若一味 [Verb]，而忽略实用性，则 [Consequence]

若一味追求速度，而忽略实用性，则产品难以成功。

Word Family

Nouns

实用性 (practicality)

实用主义 (pragmatism)

实用主义者 (pragmatist)

Verbs

应用 (to apply)

使用 (to use)

实用化 (to make practical)

Adjectives

实用的 (practical)

实实在在的 (real/solid)

有用的 (useful)

实际 (reality)

实践 (practice)

实体 (entity)

实验 (experiment)

实施 (implementation)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, business, and educational contexts.

Common Mistakes

很实用性 → 实用性很强
You cannot use '很' directly with a noun. You must use an adjective like '强' to describe the noun.
实用性的情况 → 实际的情况
Learners often confuse 'practical' (useful) with 'practical' (actual). For 'actual situation,' use 实际.
这个礼物不实用性 → 这个礼物没有实用性
Since 实用性 is a noun, you must use '没有' (to not have) to negate it, not '不'.
提高实用 → 提高实用性
You 'improve' a quality (noun), not an adjective. So you must use the '-性' form.
实用性很漂亮 → 产品很漂亮，而且实用性强
Practicality itself cannot be 'beautiful.' You are likely trying to say the product is both.

Tips

Use with '强' (Strong)

In Chinese, abstract qualities like 实用性 are often described as 'strong' (强) or 'weak' (弱) rather than 'very' (很).

Suffix Power

Learning the suffix '-性' helps you unlock dozens of other words like '重要性' (importance) and '可能性' (possibility).

Pragmatic Values

Remember that in China, being 'practical' is a high compliment in many professional fields.

Formal Reports

Always include a section on 实用性 in your business or academic reports to show you have considered real-world application.

Tech Reviews

If you want to sound like a tech pro, use 实用性 when talking about gadgets. It's the standard term used by reviewers.

The 'Use' Key

The middle character '用' is the key. If you know '使用' (to use), you can easily remember '实用性'.

Practical vs. Feasible

Don't confuse 实用性 (is it useful?) with 可行性 (can we do it?). Use them together for a complete evaluation.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 实用性 for very trivial things like a piece of candy. It sounds too heavy for minor items.

Balance is Key

When discussing design, always mention the balance between '美观' (beauty) and '实用性' (practicality).

Tone Accuracy

Ensure the 4th tone on '用' and '性' is distinct to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Shi' as 'Sure', 'Yong' as 'Young', and 'Xing' as 'Thing'. A 'Sure Young Thing' is a practical person who gets things done!

Visual Association

Imagine a Swiss Army knife. It is the ultimate symbol of 实用性 because it has a 'real use' for every 'nature' or situation.

Word Web

实 (Real) 用 (Use) 性 (Nature) 工具 (Tool) 方便 (Convenient) 简单 (Simple) 生活 (Life) 工作 (Work)

Challenge

Try to find three items in your room. Describe their 实用性 in a sentence for each using '强' (strong) or '弱' (weak).

Word Origin

The term is a modern compound. '实' (shí) originally depicted a house filled with shells (money), meaning solid or full. '用' (yòng) originally depicted a bell or a tool, meaning to use. '性' (xìng) combines 'heart' and 'birth,' referring to the innate nature of a thing.

Original meaning: The combination of 'real use' and 'nature' creates the meaning 'the nature of having real use.'

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too dismissive of art. While 实用性 is valued, calling someone's work 'only practical' (只有实用性) can sometimes imply it lacks beauty or soul.

In the West, 'practicality' is valued but often contrasted with 'creativity' or 'art.' In China, 实用性 is frequently seen as a form of wisdom itself.

Deng Xiaoping's Cat Theory (Pragmatism). The 'Great Leap Forward' (an era where 实用性 was often ignored for ideology, leading to disaster). Modern tech brands like Xiaomi, which market themselves on 'high 实用性' and low price.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Product Shopping

实用性高吗？
我更看重实用性。
这个不实用。
性价比和实用性。

Job Interview

我的技能具有实用性。
解决实际问题。
实用性人才。
在实践中应用。

Design/Architecture

兼顾美观与实用性。
实用性是首位的。
空间实用性。
功能与实用性的统一。

Education

课程的实用性。
学以致用。
实用性知识。
对未来工作的实用性。

Tech/Software

软件的实用性。
用户体验和实用性。
功能多但不实用。
提升实用性。

Conversation Starters

"你在买电子产品时，最看重它的实用性还是外观？"

"你觉得现在大学里教的知识，实用性高吗？"

"能不能推荐一个你认为实用性最强的手机软件？"

"你认为在装修房子时，如何平衡美观和实用性？"

"在学习外语的过程中，你觉得哪种练习方法的实用性最高？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近买的一件东西，分析一下它的实用性。你觉得买得值吗？

讨论一下你认为学校应该增加哪些具有实用性的课程，为什么？

描述一个你见过的‘华而不实’的设计，并提出改进建议以增强其实用性。

如果让你设计一款新产品，你会如何确保它的实用性？

反思一下，在你的生活中，你是更倾向于追求实用性还是追求精神/艺术享受？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is grammatically incorrect. '实用性' is a noun. You should say '这个东西很实用' (This thing is very practical) or '这个东西的实用性很强' (The practicality of this thing is very strong).

实用 is an adjective (e.g., a practical gift). 实用性 is the noun form (e.g., the practicality of the gift). In Chinese, you usually use the noun form with adjectives like '强' (strong) or '高' (high).

Use '有用' for casual, everyday situations (e.g., 'This pen is useful'). Use '实用性' for more formal evaluations, business contexts, or when you want to discuss the *concept* of being useful.

It is generally positive, as it implies something is useful. However, in artistic contexts, focusing *only* on 实用性 can sometimes be seen as a negative, suggesting a lack of beauty or creativity.

You should use '实用性'. For example, '我们需要评估这个方案的实用性' (We need to evaluate the practicality of this plan).

The most common ones are 强 (strong), 高 (high), 差 (poor), 弱 (weak), and 广泛 (broad).

Usually, no. You wouldn't call a person '实用性'. However, you can talk about '实用性人才' (practical talents/people with practical skills).

Yes! You can talk about the 实用性 of a theory, a philosophy, or a piece of advice.

Yes. 实用性 is neutral and refers to utility. 功利性 (gōnglìxìng) often has a negative connotation, referring to 'utilitarianism' or doing things only for profit or selfish benefit.

It is written as 实用性. '实' (shí), '用' (yòng), '性' (xìng).