Meanings of 利害
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 利害
Podcast: 利害
Podcast: 利害
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 利害
利 (lì) vs 害 (hài) — use 利 when emphasizing benefits or advantages, and 害 when focusing on harm or disadvantages.
Be cautious not to confuse 利害 with similar terms like 好处 (hǎochù, benefits) or 坏处 (huàichù, drawbacks), which are more one-sided. This term is more formal and is often used in business or serious discussions, so avoid using it in casual contexts. Pay attention to the tones to ensure clarity, as mispronunciation can change meanings.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 利害 connects to other advanced vocabulary discussing analysis and judgment. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and practice identifying pros and cons in various scenarios, enhancing their argumentative skills.
Learners may incorrectly use 利害 as a direct synonym for 'advantage,' forgetting its dual nature of pros and cons. Instead of saying '它的利害是好' (Its利害 is good), they should say '它的利害是好的和坏的' (Its利害 has both good and bad aspects).
Pronunciation of 利害
Drill the tone of 利害 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say pros and cons in Chinese
“pros and cons” in Chinese is利害
利害 (lìhài) refers to the advantages and disadvantages of a situation, often used in discussions about decision-making or evaluating outcomes. It can also describe something that is serious or formidable, emphasizing the intensity of a situation or effect. The term is frequently used in both business contexts and everyday discussions about personal choices.
When to use 利害
Be cautious not to confuse 利害 with similar terms like 好处 (hǎochù, benefits) or 坏处 (huàichù, drawbacks), which are more one-sided. This term is more formal and is often used in business or serious discussions, so avoid using it in casual contexts. Pay attention to the tones to ensure clarity, as mispronunciation can change meanings.
利害 or something close to it
利 (lì) vs 害 (hài) — use 利 when emphasizing benefits or advantages, and 害 when focusing on harm or disadvantages.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 利害 as a direct synonym for 'advantage,' forgetting its dual nature of pros and cons. Instead of saying '它的利害是好' (Its利害 is good), they should say '它的利害是好的和坏的' (Its利害 has both good and bad aspects).
Write 利害
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 利害 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 利害
You can say '在做决定之前，我们必须考虑利害关系' (Before making a decision, we must consider the pros and cons).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 利害?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.