功利 gōnglì utility
How to remember 功利: 功 achievement + 利 benefit = utility.
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How it is used
- Utilitarian, driven by immediate practical gain - often with a critical edge - 太功利 (tài gōnglì) too calculating/mercenary.
- Describes attitudes that value only tangible payoff: 功利心 a self-interested mindset; 功利主义 utilitarianism (the philosophy, neutral).
- In everyday speech it's usually a mild criticism of someone.