有利

• Pinyin: yǒu lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 又 (hand) + 月 (moon/meat), meaning 'to have'; 利 = 禾 (grain) + 刂(刀) (knife), meaning profit or sharp

Meaning

Favourable; advantageous; beneficial. Describes conditions or situations that provide an advantage.

The opposite of 不利 (unfavourable). Often followed by 于 to indicate what benefits: 有利于健康 (beneficial to health). Used in formal and semi-formal contexts to describe strategic advantages.

Examples

1. 多运动有利于身体健康。 Exercising more is beneficial to physical health.
2. 这个位置对我们非常有利。 This position is very advantageous for us.
3. 良好的环境有利于孩子的成长。 A good environment is beneficial for children's growth.

Usage Guide

Context: business, health, strategy

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这个条件对我们有利。(This condition is favourable for us.)
• 早睡早起有利于健康。(Going to bed early and rising early is good for health.)

Don't Say

• 这个蛋糕很有利。(Don't use 有利 to describe food — it means 'advantageous' in a strategic sense, not 'good' or 'tasty')

Origin & History

有 (to have) + 利 (benefit, advantage). Literally 'to have benefit' — advantageous.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal