不利

• Pinyin: bù lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 (not) + 利 = 禾 (grain) + 刂 (knife), meaning profitable harvest

Meaning

Unfavorable; disadvantageous; detrimental. Conditions or circumstances that work against success.

Used to describe situations, factors, or conditions that cause disadvantage. Common phrases: 对...不利 (unfavorable to...), 处于不利地位 (in a disadvantageous position), 不利因素 (unfavorable factors), 不利影响 (adverse effects).

Examples

1. 恶劣的天气条件对我们的比赛非常不利。 The severe weather conditions are very unfavorable for our competition.
2. 这项政策可能对小企业产生不利影响。 This policy may have an adverse effect on small businesses.
3. 他在谈判中处于不利地位，但最终还是成功了。 He was in a disadvantageous position in the negotiations, but he still succeeded in the end.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, business, strategy

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这对我们很不利。(This is very unfavorable for us.)
• 不利因素太多了。(There are too many unfavorable factors.)

Don't Say

• 把'不利'和'不力'混淆——'不利'是不利的条件，'不力'是不尽力 (Don't confuse 不利 with 不力 — 不利 means unfavorable conditions, while 不力 means not making enough effort)

Origin & History

Combination of 不 (not) + 利 (benefit, advantage), literally meaning 'not beneficial.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal