Meaning
有效 describes something that produces the intended result or is legally/officially valid. It combines 有 (to have) and 效 (effect/efficacy), literally meaning 'has effect.' It's commonly used for methods, medicines, documents, or policies that work as intended or remain legally binding.
Usage
Native speakers use 有效 in both formal and informal contexts to describe practical effectiveness (这个方法很有效) or legal validity (护照有效期). It frequently appears in medical, administrative, and business settings. Often paired with 无效 (invalid/ineffective) as its opposite.
Examples
- 01这种药对感冒很有效。.This medicine is very effective for colds.
- 02你的护照有效期到什么时候？?When does your passport expire?
Characters
Common collocations
- 有效期validity period, expiration date
- 有效措施effective measures
- 有效地effectively
- 证件有效document is valid
Antonyms
Origin
效 originally meant 'to imitate' or 'to follow' in classical Chinese, derived from its components showing action and comparison. It evolved to mean 'effect' or 'result.' Combined with 有, it creates the sense of 'having effect' or 'producing results.'