利用 (lì yòng) — Chinese Word

verb HSK 4

lì yòng

to use · to utilize · to take advantage of · to exploit

Meaning

利用 means to make use of something for a specific purpose or benefit. It can refer to utilizing resources, time, or opportunities in a practical way. While often neutral, it can also carry a negative connotation when referring to exploiting people or situations for selfish gain.

Usage

Native speakers use 利用 in both formal and informal contexts. It's more deliberate than simple 用 (to use), emphasizing the strategic or purposeful nature of the usage. Common in academic, business, and everyday speech when discussing making the most of resources, time, or circumstances.

Examples

01
我们应该充分利用周末的时间学习中文。
Wǒmen yīng gāi chōng fèn lì yòng zhōu mò de shí jiān xué xí Zhōng wén.
We should make full use of our weekend time to study Chinese.
02
他利用自己的职位为朋友谋取私利。
Tā lì yòng zì jǐ de zhí wèi wèi péng yǒu móu qǔ sī lì.
He exploited his position to seek personal gain for his friends.

Characters

Common collocations

利用时间
lì yòng shí jiān
to make use of time
充分利用
chōng fèn lì yòng
to make full use of
利用机会
lì yòng jī huì
to take advantage of an opportunity
被人利用
bèi rén lì yòng
to be taken advantage of by others

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 利 (benefit/advantage) and 用 (to use), literally meaning 'to use for benefit.' This reflects the core meaning of utilizing something to gain an advantage or achieve a purpose.