有效

• Pinyin: yǒu xiào
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 又 (hand) + 月 (moon/meat), meaning 'to have'; 效 = 交 (cross, exchange) + 攵(攴) (strike), meaning effect or result

Meaning

Effective; valid. Describes something that produces the desired result or is still within its period of validity.

Has two main uses: (1) effective — producing the intended result (有效的方法 = effective method), and (2) valid — within the valid period (有效期 = validity period). The opposite is 无效 (ineffective/invalid).

Examples

1. 这个方法非常有效。 This method is very effective.
2. 你的护照还在有效期内吗？ Is your passport still within its validity period?
3. 多喝水是预防感冒的有效方法。 Drinking more water is an effective way to prevent colds.

Usage Guide

Context: medical, official, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 这种药很有效。(This medicine is very effective.)
• 这张优惠券的有效期是三个月。(This coupon is valid for three months.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个有效的人。(Don't use 有效 to describe a person — use 有效率 (efficient) or 能干 (capable) instead)

Origin & History

有 (to have) + 效 (effect, result). Literally 'to have effect' — effective.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal