Useful means having a practical purpose or serving a beneficial function.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes something that provides practical help or value.
- Used frequently to evaluate tools, advice, or information.
- Commonly paired with degree adverbs like very.
常见语境：它广泛出现在日常生活、工作和学习中。比如，老师给的复习资料是‘有用的’，朋友给出的解决办法是‘有用的’，或者一件旧家具被改造后变得‘有用的’。
- 1近义词辨析：与‘有效’（effective）相比，‘有用的’更侧重于功能的广泛性，而‘有效’侧重于达成特定结果的能力。与‘实用’（practical）相比，‘有用的’语气更平民化，‘实用’则更强调逻辑性和便利性。
Examples
这个APP对我学英语很有用。
everydayThis app is very useful for my English learning.
该方案在提升效率方面非常有用。
formalThis plan is very useful in improving efficiency.
这东西没用，扔了吧。
informalThis thing is useless, throw it away.
这些数据提供了有用的参考。
academicThese data provide useful references.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
大有用处
Very useful / of great use
毫无用处
Useless
有用之才
A talented and useful person
Often Confused With
Effective implies a result is achieved. Useful just means it helps.
Practical focuses on the convenience and logic of the item.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '有用' as a predicate with '很' or '非常'. Avoid using it alone as a modifier without '的' when preceding a noun. It is a neutral word suitable for almost all situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to add '的' when using it before a noun, such as saying '有用建议' instead of '有用的建议'. Also, avoid using it to describe abstract feelings; it is better for tools or concrete help.
Tips
Use with degree adverbs
Always pair it with '很' (very) or '非常' (extremely) to sound more natural in conversation. Simply saying '这很有用' is much better than '这有用'.
Avoid overusing in formal writing
In academic or formal reports, try to use more specific adjectives like '具有参考价值' or '高效' to show better vocabulary range.
Pragmatism in Chinese culture
Chinese culture values practicality. Calling something '有用的' is often a high compliment, implying the object or person is worth keeping or respecting.
Word Origin
Derived from '有' (to have) and '用' (use). It literally means 'having use'.
Cultural Context
Reflects the Confucian value of being 'useful to society'. Being described as '有用' is often a sign of respect.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'U-shape' (Useful) magnet that attracts things. If it's useful, it attracts value to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“有用的”指某物有帮助，范围较广；“有效的”指某方法或药物能产生预期的特定效果。例如，药是“有效的”，而经验是“有用的”。
可以。形容人时，通常指某人具备某种技能或能提供帮助，比如“他是一个有用的人才”。
直接在前面加“没”即可，即“没用的”。这通常用于表达失望或否定某物的价值。
可以，它是中性词。但在非常正式的公文中，有时会使用“具有实用价值”来替代。
Test Yourself
这个字典对我学习汉语非常___。
在“非常”之后，通常直接接形容词，且此处作谓语，无需加“的”。
以下哪个词与“有用的”意思最接近？
实用（practical）与有用的（useful）在很多语境下可以互换。
建议 / 很有用 / 你的 / 。
标准的中文主谓宾结构，形容词作谓语时前面通常加程度副词。
Score: /3
Summary
Useful means having a practical purpose or serving a beneficial function.
- Describes something that provides practical help or value.
- Used frequently to evaluate tools, advice, or information.
- Commonly paired with degree adverbs like very.
Use with degree adverbs
Always pair it with '很' (very) or '非常' (extremely) to sound more natural in conversation. Simply saying '这很有用' is much better than '这有用'.
Avoid overusing in formal writing
In academic or formal reports, try to use more specific adjectives like '具有参考价值' or '高效' to show better vocabulary range.
Pragmatism in Chinese culture
Chinese culture values practicality. Calling something '有用的' is often a high compliment, implying the object or person is worth keeping or respecting.
Examples
4 of 4这个APP对我学英语很有用。
This app is very useful for my English learning.
该方案在提升效率方面非常有用。
This plan is very useful in improving efficiency.
这东西没用，扔了吧。
This thing is useless, throw it away.
这些数据提供了有用的参考。
These data provide useful references.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
