lei6 jung6利用
Jyutpinglei6 jung6
Yaleleih yuhng
Definition
To make use of; to exploit or take advantage of.
- to make good use of; to utilize
- to take advantage of; to exploit someone or something
neutraldaily actionspeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly more calculated or strategic nuance than the simple verb 用. While it can mean making good use of resources like time or space, it frequently implies exploiting a person or situation for personal gain. When used in a negative context, it often suggests a lack of sincerity in the relationship.
Examples
You really must make good use of this opportunity.
Is he trying to use me to get ahead?
Related words
Common phrases
to take advantage of an opportunity
to make good use of time
Common mistake
Learners often use this interchangeably with 用, but it is not a direct synonym for simple tools. You would use 用 to say you are using a pen, but using 利用 for a pen sounds like you are exploiting the pen for a hidden agenda.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
