利用 lìyòng to exploit
to exploit; to make use of; to use; to take advantage of; to utilize
How to remember 利用: 利 benefit + 用 to use (Kangxi radical 101) = to exploit.
Characters
How it is used
- To use/make use of; also to exploit (someone) - 利用时间 (lìyòng shíjiān) to make use of time; 被人利用 (bèi rén lìyòng) to be used by someone.
- Neutral when using resources/opportunities, negative when taking advantage of a person.
- Contrast 使用 (shǐyòng, to use a tool/thing) - 利用 stresses turning something to advantage, sometimes cunningly.
Example sentences
- 来好好利用大周末吧。 Lái hǎohǎo lìyòng dà zhōumò ba.Let's take advantage of the long weekend.
- 她常常利用他的无知。 Tā chángcháng lìyòng tā de wúzhī.She often takes advantage of his ignorance.
- 她利用空闲时间做布娃娃。 Tā lìyòng kòngxián shíjiān zuò bùwáwá.She spends her free time making dolls.