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B1 verb #1,500 most common 9 min read

利用

liyong Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 利用 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 利用 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use '利用' (lìyòng) very often, as '用' (yòng - to use) is much simpler and covers most basic needs. However, you can start to understand '利用' as a way to talk about using your time. For example, '利用时间' (lìyòng shíjiān) means 'to use time.' At this level, think of it as 'using something to do something else.' If you have ten minutes before class, you '利用' those ten minutes to drink water or check your phone. It's about being a little bit smart with what you have. You won't see it in the most basic textbooks, but it appears as soon as you start talking about daily schedules and making plans. Just remember: '用' is for tools (using a pen), and '利用' is for things like time or a chance. Don't worry about the negative meanings yet; just focus on the idea of 'using a resource' to achieve a small goal.

By A2, '利用' becomes more useful for describing your habits and how you study. You might say, '我利用周末学习汉语' (I use the weekend to study Chinese). Here, '利用' shows that you are making a choice to use your free time for a specific purpose. It sounds a bit more advanced than just saying '我周末学习汉语.' You will also see it in simple signs or instructions, like '利用废纸' (use waste paper/recycle). At this level, you should start to notice that '利用' is often followed by a noun (the resource) and then another verb (the action). This '利用...去...' pattern is very common. You are moving beyond just 'using things' to 'utilizing opportunities.' It's a key word for talking about your productivity and how you manage your busy life as a student or worker.

At the B1 level, you should master the dual nature of '利用.' This is the level where you learn that '利用' can be both a good thing (efficiency) and a bad thing (exploitation). In a business or academic context, you'll use it to talk about 'utilizing resources' (利用资源) or 'utilizing technology' (利用技术). It's a professional-sounding word. However, you also need to be careful. If you say '他利用我' (He used me), it means he was not a good friend and only wanted something from you. You will encounter this word in news reports about the environment (utilizing natural energy) and in social stories. You should also learn common adverbs that go with it, like '充分利用' (fully utilize). This is a 'power word' for your vocabulary—it makes your Chinese sound more logical and strategic. You are no longer just doing things; you are utilizing your environment to achieve goals.

At the B2 level, '利用' is essential for formal writing and discussing complex social issues. You will use it to describe how companies '利用大数据' (utilize big data) to target customers or how governments '利用政策' (utilize policies) to stimulate the economy. You should be able to distinguish '利用' from similar words like '运用' (applying skills) and '采用' (adopting methods). At this level, you'll also see '利用' in legal and ethical discussions, such as '利用职务之便' (taking advantage of one's position). This is a common phrase in news about corruption. You should be comfortable using '利用' in the passive voice (被利用) to describe being manipulated. Your understanding should move into the abstract—utilizing loopholes (漏洞), utilizing psychological tendencies, or utilizing social trends. It is a core verb for any discussion involving strategy, economics, or sociology.

For C1 learners, '利用' is a tool for nuanced analysis. You will explore its use in literature and high-level political discourse. It often appears in discussions about 'sustainable development' (可持续发展) and the 'circular economy' (循环经济), where '资源的高效利用' (the efficient utilization of resources) is a central theme. You should understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries in different contexts. In a philosophical debate, you might discuss whether humans are 'utilizing' nature or 'exploiting' it, and how the word '利用' sits right on the edge of those two concepts. You will also encounter it in historical texts, describing how leaders '利用形势' (utilized the situation/circumstances) to gain power. At this level, your use of '利用' should be precise, paired with sophisticated collocations and used to build complex arguments about efficiency, ethics, and strategy.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '利用' and can use it with absolute precision across all registers. You understand its role in classical-influenced modern prose and its specific legal definitions in various jurisdictions. You can dissect the 'utilitarian' (功利主义) roots often associated with the word in philosophical contexts. You might use it to describe the 'utilization of subconscious desires' in modern advertising or the 'utilization of game theory' in international relations. You are sensitive to the word's ability to dehumanize when used in certain corporate 'human resource' contexts. Your mastery includes the ability to use '利用' in complex, multi-clause sentences that involve passive structures, rhetorical questions, and metaphorical extensions. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool you use to describe the fundamental way entities interact with their environment and each other.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

利用 in 30 Seconds

Utilize: To use a resource (time, tech, space) efficiently for a goal.
Exploit: To use a person or a loophole selfishly or unethically.
Strategic: Implies planning and optimization rather than just simple use.
Context-Dependent: Positive for resources, often negative for people.

The term 利用 (lìyòng) is a versatile Chinese verb that fundamentally translates to 'to make use of' or 'to utilize.' At its core, it combines the character 利 (lì), meaning 'benefit' or 'profit,' with 用 (yòng), meaning 'to use.' This etymological pairing suggests a usage that is directed toward achieving a specific advantage or result. In a neutral or positive sense, it refers to the efficient management of resources, such as time, space, or technology. For instance, an architect might '利用' every square inch of a small apartment to maximize living space. In academic and scientific contexts, it is the standard term for 'utilizing' energy, data, or natural resources to fuel progress or research.

Semantic Nuance: While often neutral, '利用' carries a distinct dual nature. When applied to objects or abstract concepts, it implies efficiency. However, when applied to people, it frequently shifts toward a negative connotation, implying 'exploitation' or using someone for one's own selfish ends without regard for their well-being.

我们应该充分利用太阳能来发电。 (We should fully utilize solar energy to generate electricity.)

In the modern digital landscape, '利用' is frequently paired with technological terms. You will hear about '利用大数据' (utilizing big data) or '利用算法' (utilizing algorithms). Here, the word emphasizes the strategic application of a tool to solve a complex problem. It is more deliberate than the simple word '用' (to use), suggesting a level of planning and optimization. If you '用' a hammer, you just use it; if you '利用' a hammer's weight and leverage, you are applying a strategy to the tool's inherent properties.

他利用业余时间学习编程。 (He makes use of his spare time to learn programming.)

Social Context: In social relationships, be careful. Saying '他在利用你' (He is using you) is a serious accusation of manipulation. It suggests that the relationship is transactional and one-sided.

不要被那些虚假信息所利用。 (Don't be exploited by that false information.)

Finally, '利用' is essential in legal and formal Chinese. Laws often discuss the '利用职权' (abuse of power/utilization of one's position) for personal gain. In these contexts, the word bridges the gap between 'using a resource' and 'misusing a status.' Understanding this word requires recognizing whether the object being 'used' is a passive resource or a sentient being, as this determines the moral weight of the sentence.

Mastering 利用 involves understanding its common grammatical structures and the specific types of objects it governs. The most frequent pattern is Subject + 利用 + Object + Verb Phrase. This structure explains *what* is being used and *for what purpose*. For example, '我利用周末的时间(Object)去爬山(Verb Phrase).' This indicates that the weekend is the resource being utilized for the activity of hiking.

Common Structure 1: 利用 + [Resource] + [Action]: This is the standard way to describe purposeful action. Example: 利用网络寻找资料 (Use the internet to find information).

公司利用新技术提高了生产效率。 (The company utilized new technology to improve production efficiency.)

Another critical aspect is the use of adverbs. '利用' is often modified by '充分' (chōngfèn - fully), '有效' (yǒuxiào - effectively), or '合理' (hélǐ - reasonably). These adverbs emphasize the optimization of the resource. If you say '充分利用,' you are suggesting that nothing is being wasted. This is a very common phrase in business meetings and academic reports regarding budget or time management.

Common Structure 2: 被 + [Someone] + 利用: This is the passive form, almost always negative. Example: 他被朋友利用了 (He was used by his friend).

我们必须学会合理利用有限的资源。 (We must learn to reasonably utilize limited resources.)

In formal writing, '利用' can also be used as a noun in certain compounds, though it is primarily a verb. For example, '资源利用率' (resource utilization rate). When writing essays, using '利用' instead of '用' can instantly elevate the register of your Chinese, making it sound more professional and analytical. It suggests a strategic mindset rather than just a functional one.

科学家们正在研究如何更好地利用废弃物。 (Scientists are researching how to better utilize waste materials.)

Collocation Alert: 利用 + 漏洞 (lòudòng - loophole): This is a common phrase in cybersecurity and law, meaning to exploit a flaw in a system.

To summarize the usage: use '利用' when there is a clear resource (time, space, tech, information) and a clear goal. Avoid using it for simple daily actions like eating or walking. Be cautious when the object is a person, as it implies a lack of sincerity or ethics.

You will encounter 利用 in a wide variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes corporate environments to emotional television dramas. In the workplace, it is a staple of productivity talk. Managers will often discuss how to '充分利用人力资源' (fully utilize human resources) or '利用现有设备' (utilize existing equipment). In these contexts, it is a positive term focused on efficiency and avoiding waste.

The News & Media: In news broadcasts, '利用' is frequently used in reports about technology and the environment. You might hear about '利用人工智能预测天气' (utilizing AI to predict weather) or '利用外资' (utilizing foreign investment).

这个项目利用了最先进的加密技术。 (This project utilized the most advanced encryption technology.)

In the realm of education, teachers often encourage students to '利用图书馆的资源' (make use of library resources) or '利用假期进行实习' (utilize the holidays for internships). It carries an encouraging tone here, suggesting that the student should be proactive and strategic about their growth. It is a word that appears constantly in self-help books and productivity blogs in China.

他利用职务之便为自己谋取私利。 (He utilized his position to seek personal gain.)

Academic Contexts: In scientific papers, '利用' is the go-to verb for describing methodology. '利用显微镜观察' (utilizing a microscope to observe) or '利用统计学方法分析' (utilizing statistical methods to analyze).

In daily life, you might hear it in more mundane but still strategic ways. A parent might tell a child to '利用坐车的时间背单词' (utilize the time on the bus to memorize words). A friend might suggest '利用这次打折的机会多买点' (utilize this discount opportunity to buy more). In all these cases, '利用' signals a transition from passive existence to active, purposeful action. It is the language of the 'optimizer.'

我们要学会利用碎片化时间学习。 (We should learn to utilize fragmented time for learning.)

Whether you are reading a technical manual, a news report, or watching a soap opera, '利用' is the key to understanding the 'how' and 'why' behind an action. It moves the focus from the tool itself to the strategic intent of the user.

The most common mistake learners make with 利用 is confusing it with the simpler verb 使用 (shǐyòng). While both mean 'to use,' they are not interchangeable. '使用' is neutral and functional—you use (使用) a pen, a computer, or a bathroom. '利用' implies a strategic advantage or the extraction of value from a resource. If you say '我利用笔写字,' it sounds like you are performing a scientific experiment on the pen rather than just writing a note.

Mistake 1: Over-using it for simple tools: Incorrect: 我利用筷子吃面。 (I utilize chopsticks to eat noodles.)
Correct: 我用筷子吃面。 (I use chopsticks to eat noodles.)

注意：利用通常带有目的性和策略性。 (Note: '利用' usually carries purpose and strategy.)

Another frequent error is failing to recognize the negative connotation when referring to people. In English, 'to use someone' is always negative. In Chinese, '利用某人' is also almost always negative. If you want to say you are working with someone or benefiting from their help in a positive way, use '寻求帮助' (seek help) or '合作' (cooperate). Saying '我利用他完成了项目' makes it sound like you treated your colleague as a mere tool.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 运用 (yùnyòng): '运用' is for skills, knowledge, or theories. You '运用知识' (apply knowledge). You '利用时间' (utilize time). While similar, '运用' is more about the 'application' of an internal skill, while '利用' is about the 'utilization' of an external resource.

他巧妙地运用了所学的知识。 (He skillfully applied the knowledge he learned.) - *Here '利用' would be less natural.*

Finally, learners sometimes forget the required 'purpose' in the sentence. '利用' feels incomplete if you don't mention what you are using the resource *for*. While '我使用了这台电脑' (I used this computer) is a complete thought, '我利用了这台电脑' often prompts the question 'To do what?' (去做什么？). Always try to follow '利用' with a specific objective to sound more like a native speaker.

不要利用别人的同情心。 (Don't exploit other people's sympathy.)

Understanding 利用 requires comparing it to several other 'use' verbs in Chinese. The most common are 使用, 运用, and 采用. Each has a specific domain and nuance that distinguishes it from the others.

利用 vs. 使用 (shǐyòng): '使用' is the most general and neutral term for 'to use.' It is functional. You '使用' a tool for its intended purpose. '利用' implies taking advantage of a resource's properties to achieve a goal, often one that requires cleverness or efficiency. You '使用' a phone to call, but you '利用' a phone's GPS to find your way.

请使用正版软件。 (Please use genuine software.) vs. 他利用软件漏洞进入了系统。 (He utilized a software loophole to enter the system.)

利用 vs. 运用 (yùnyòng): '运用' means 'to apply' or 'to wield.' It is almost exclusively used for abstract things like knowledge, skills, theories, or tactics. '利用' is for external resources like time, materials, or people. You '运用' your brain, but you '利用' your time.

我们要灵活运用所学知识。 (We should flexibly apply the knowledge we've learned.)

利用 vs. 采用 (cǎiyòng): '采用' means 'to adopt' or 'to employ' a method, suggestion, or technology. It implies a choice among several options. '利用' doesn't necessarily imply a choice; it implies making the most of what is available.

公司采用了我的建议。 (The company adopted my suggestion.)

Finally, in the negative sense, '利用' is often compared to 剥削 (bōxuè), which means 'to exploit' in a Marxist or purely economic sense (like exploiting labor). '利用' is broader and can be used for personal emotional manipulation, whereas '剥削' is usually reserved for systemic or economic contexts.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Passive voice with 被

Resultative complements (利用好)

Adverbial modifiers

Examples by Level

我利用时间喝水。

I use the time to drink water.

Simple Subject + 利用 + Noun + Verb structure.

他利用中午的时间休息。

He uses the noon time to rest.

Using '利用' for a specific time of day.

我们要利用好今天。

We should make good use of today.

The '利用好' construction implies doing it well.

利用这支笔写字。

Use this pen to write.

Though '用' is more common, '利用' can be used for tools in a purposeful way.

利用周末去买东西。

Use the weekend to go shopping.

Utilizing a specific period for an activity.

你可以利用这个机会。

You can use this opportunity.

Introducing '机会' (opportunity) as an object.

老师利用图片教课。

The teacher uses pictures to teach.

Using a resource (pictures) for a goal (teaching).

利用电脑学习汉语。

Use the computer to study Chinese.

Standard 'utilize resource for goal' pattern.

我利用业余时间学游泳。

I use my spare time to learn swimming.

业余时间 (spare time) is a very common object for 利用.

他利用图书馆看书。

He makes use of the library to read.

Utilizing a location/facility.

我们要充分利用这些纸。

We should fully utilize this paper.

Introducing the adverb '充分' (fully).

利用网络找工作很方便。

Using the internet to find a job is very convenient.

Utilizing a medium (the internet).

他利用假期去旅游了。

He used the holiday to go traveling.

Utilizing a break period.

请利用好这次学习机会。

Please make good use of this learning opportunity.

Polite imperative using '利用好'.

利用太阳能可以省钱。

Utilizing solar energy can save money.

Simple scientific/economic utilization.

我利用地图找到了路。

I used the map to find the way.

Using a tool strategically.

你应该充分利用这个实习机会。

You should fully utilize this internship opportunity.

B1 level focus on professional opportunities.

有些公司会利用广告吸引顾客。

Some companies utilize advertisements to attract customers.

Business context: utilizing a strategy.

他觉得被朋友利用了，很不开心。

He felt used by his friend and was very unhappy.

Introduction of the negative social connotation.

我们要学会合理利用自然资源。

We must learn to reasonably utilize natural resources.

Environmental context: '合理利用'.

利用大数据可以分析用户行为。

Utilizing big data can analyze user behavior.

Modern technological utilization.

他利用自己的影响力帮助他人。

He utilized his influence to help others.

Utilizing an abstract resource (influence).

这个房间的空间被利用得很充分。

The space in this room is utilized very fully.

Passive structure '被利用得...'.

不要利用别人的善良。

Don't exploit other people's kindness.

Moral/Ethical warning.

政府利用税收政策调节经济。

The government utilizes tax policies to regulate the economy.

Formal political/economic usage.

他利用职务之便收受贿赂。

He utilized his position to accept bribes.

Idiomatic phrase: '利用职务之便' (abuse of power).

科学家们正在研究如何高效利用核能。

Scientists are researching how to efficiently utilize nuclear energy.

Academic/Scientific precision.

这篇文章利用了大量的历史文献。

This article utilized a large amount of historical documents.

Research context.

他善于利用各种社交场合结交朋友。

He is good at utilizing various social occasions to make friends.

Strategic social utilization.

我们要防止个人信息被非法利用。

We must prevent personal information from being illegally utilized.

Legal/Security context: '非法利用'.

该技术被广泛利用于医疗领域。

This technology is widely utilized in the medical field.

Passive voice in a formal setting.

他利用对手的弱点赢得了比赛。

He utilized his opponent's weakness to win the match.

Competitive strategy.

循环经济的核心是资源的循环利用。

The core of a circular economy is the circular utilization of resources.

Technical term: '循环利用' (recycling).

他巧妙地利用了言语中的歧义来误导观众。

He skillfully utilized the ambiguity in the words to mislead the audience.

Sophisticated linguistic manipulation.

我们要辩证地看待科技对人类的利用。

We should look at the utilization of humans by technology dialectically.

Philosophical/C1 level abstract thought.

该小说利用多重叙事视角构建了复杂的剧情。

The novel utilized multiple narrative perspectives to construct a complex plot.

Literary analysis.

他被指控利用内幕信息进行非法交易。

He was accused of utilizing inside information for illegal trading.

Legal/Financial crime terminology.

这种植物能有效利用极其稀缺的水分。

This plant can effectively utilize extremely scarce moisture.

Biological/Ecological context.

我们要充分利用现有的法律框架来维权。

We must fully utilize the existing legal framework to protect our rights.

Formal legal strategy.

利用心理学原理，他们设计了这款上瘾的游戏。

Utilizing psychological principles, they designed this addictive game.

Application of complex theories.

资本主义在全球范围内实现了对廉价劳动力的极致利用。

Capitalism has achieved the ultimate utilization of cheap labor on a global scale.

High-level socio-economic critique.

他在作品中利用荒诞的手法解构了权力的本质。

In his work, he utilized absurd techniques to deconstruct the essence of power.

Advanced literary/philosophical critique.

如何平衡资源的开发与可持续利用是当代的一大难题。

How to balance resource development and sustainable utilization is a major challenge of our time.

Complex policy discussion.

他利用了大众的恐惧心理来推行其激进的政治议程。

He utilized the public's fear to push his radical political agenda.

Political science/Psychological manipulation.

该算法通过对海量数据的深度挖掘，实现了对市场趋势的精准利用。

Through deep mining of massive data, the algorithm achieved precise utilization of market trends.

Technical/Economic synthesis.

我们必须警惕算法对人类注意力的过度利用。

We must be wary of the excessive utilization of human attention by algorithms.

Ethical/Technological critique.

他利用了法律的灰色地带为公司谋取了巨额利润。

He utilized the gray areas of the law to seek huge profits for the company.

Nuanced legal/ethical discussion.

这种建筑风格完美地利用了光影的交织，营造出神圣感。

This architectural style perfectly utilizes the interweaving of light and shadow to create a sense of divinity.

Aesthetic/Architectural analysis.

Synonyms

使用运用采用施展

Antonyms

浪费闲置

Common Collocations

充分利用 (fully utilize)

合理利用 (reasonably utilize)

有效利用 (effectively utilize)

利用机会 (utilize an opportunity)

利用资源 (utilize resources)

利用时间 (utilize time)

利用技术 (utilize technology)

利用漏洞 (exploit a loophole)

被利用 (to be used/exploited)

循环利用 (circular utilization/recycle)

Common Phrases

利用职权 (abuse of power)

利用价值 (utility value)

利用率 (utilization rate)

相互利用 (mutually using each other)

利用业余时间 (use spare time)

利用网络 (utilize the internet)

利用自然 (utilize nature)

利用优势 (utilize advantages)

利用矛盾 (exploit contradictions)

利用借口 (use an excuse)

Often Confused With

利用 vs 使用

Functional vs Strategic. Use a pen (使用) vs Utilize a loophole (利用).

利用 vs 运用

External resources (利用) vs Internal skills/knowledge (运用).

利用 vs 采用

Making use of what's there (利用) vs Choosing a specific method (采用).

Idioms & Expressions

"因势利导 (guide according to the trend - related concept)"

"借题发挥 (use a subject to play on other themes)"

"公器私用 (use public resources for private gain)"

"假公济私 (use public office for private gain)"

"趁火打劫 (take advantage of a fire to rob - extreme exploitation)"

"顺水推舟 (push the boat with the current - utilize a trend)"

"投机取巧 (utilize opportunities through trickery)"

"借尸还魂 (use a dead body to return a soul - utilize old forms)"

"因地制宜 (utilize local conditions)"

"取长补短 (utilize strengths to offset weaknesses)"

Easily Confused

利用 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

利益 (lìyì - interest/benefit)

有利 (yǒulì - advantageous)

利息 (lìxī - interest on money)

用户 (yònghù - user)

用途 (yòngtú - use/purpose)

How to Use It

Academic

Methodology, data application, energy conversion.

Negative

Manipulation, exploitation, abuse of power.

Positive

Resource optimization, efficiency, cleverness.

Common Mistakes

Using '利用' for simple tools like spoons or chairs.
Using '利用' for people in a positive context.
Forgetting to include the purpose of the utilization.
Confusing '利用' with '运用' when talking about skills.
Mispronouncing the fourth tones as neutral tones.

Tips

Strategic Use

Use '利用' when you want to emphasize that you are being smart with your resources.

Be Careful

Avoid saying '我利用你' to a friend unless you want to end the friendship.

Research

In papers, use '利用' to describe the tools or data you used for your analysis.

The Purpose

Always try to add a 'to do something' after '利用 [resource]'.

Efficiency

'充分利用人力资源' is a key phrase for management.

Sustainability

'利用' is the main word for utilizing renewable energy.

Abuse

'利用漏洞' is the standard term for exploiting a legal or system loophole.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize '利用职务之便' as a single unit for 'abuse of office'.

Tone Check

Don't let the tones slide; both characters need a strong fourth tone.

Variety

Mix '利用' with '运用' in your writing to show a range of vocabulary.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

In social circles, '利用' is a 'red flag' word indicating a lack of true friendship.

In Chinese business, '利用' is a neutral term for leveraging assets.

China's 'Circular Economy' laws use '利用' as a core technical term.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你平时是怎么利用业余时间的？"

"你觉得我们该如何更好地利用网络资源？"

"在你的国家，人们如何利用太阳能？"

"你有没有觉得被别人利用过？"

"如何利用碎片化时间学习外语？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你如何利用上周的时间。

讨论一下科技是如何被人类利用的。

描述一次你成功利用机会的经历。

你认为‘利用他人’和‘寻求合作’的区别在哪里？

如果可以，你会如何利用你的超能力？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Almost always. It implies the person is being treated as a tool. For positive cooperation, use '合作' or '请教'.

It sounds strange. Just say '用筷子'. '利用' is for more complex or strategic uses.

It means recycling or circular utilization of resources.

You can use '利用机会' (utilize an opportunity) or '把握机会' (seize an opportunity).

'剥削' is specifically for economic exploitation (like labor), while '利用' is broader.

Yes, in compounds like '利用率' (utilization rate), but it's mostly a verb.

Yes, it is more formal than '用'.

The common phrase is '利用职权' or '利用职务之便'.

Common ones are 充分 (fully), 有效 (effectively), 合理 (reasonably), and 非法 (illegally).

Yes, it's a core word for intermediate learners to describe strategy and resources.