便利

• Pinyin: biàn lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 便 = 亻(person) + 更 (change); 利 = 禾 (grain) + 刂 (knife)

Meaning

Convenient; convenience. Easy to use or access; making things easier.

As adjective, describes something convenient. As noun, refers to convenience. 便利店 is a convenience store. Can also be a verb meaning to facilitate.

Examples

1. 网上购物给我们的生活带来了很大的便利。 Online shopping has brought great convenience to our lives.
2. 这个位置交通便利，离地铁站只有五分钟路程。 This location has convenient transportation; it's only a five-minute walk to the subway station.
3. 政府出台了很多政策来便利企业办事。 The government has introduced many policies to facilitate business operations.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, services, location

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 交通很便利。(Transportation is very convenient.)
• 这给我们带来了很大便利。(This brings us great convenience.)

Don't Say

• 把'便利'和'方便'完全等同——'便利'更正式，'方便'更口语化 (Don't use 便利 and 方便 interchangeably — 便利 is more formal, 方便 is more casual)

Origin & History

Compound of 便 (convenient) + 利 (benefit/sharp), both suggesting ease and advantage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal