shíyòng: 实用 - Practical, Useful, Functional

• Keywords: shiyong, shíyòng, 实用, practical Chinese, useful in Chinese, functional, pragmatism, Chinese for practical, what does shiyong mean, a practical gift in Chinese, HSK 4 vocabulary
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 实用 (shíyòng), a core Chinese adjective for “practical” and “functional.” This entry explores how 实用 is more than just a word; it reflects a deep-rooted cultural value of pragmatism in China, praising things, skills, and even people for their real-world value and tangible benefits over mere theory or aesthetics. Learn how to use it to sound more natural in everyday conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shíyòng
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Something that is practical, functional, and has a real-world application.
• In a Nutshell: 实用 (shíyòng) describes something that serves a concrete purpose and works well in reality. It's the opposite of being theoretical, ornamental, or purely for show. Think of a Swiss Army knife, a well-designed app, or solid advice you can act on immediately—these are all 实用. In Chinese culture, calling something 实用 is a high compliment, praising its efficiency, usefulness, and sensible design.

• 实 (shí): This character means “real,” “solid,” “actual,” or “true.” It's composed of 宀 (a roof) over 贯 (a string of coins), suggesting a house filled with real, tangible wealth. The core idea is substance and reality.
• 用 (yòng): This character simply means “to use” or “usefulness.” Its pictograph origin is debated, but it often resembles a bucket or a container, a basic tool for everyday use.
• When combined, 实用 (shíyòng) literally means “real use” or “solid application.” This perfectly captures the essence of the word: something isn't just theoretically useful, it has proven, tangible utility in the real world.

实用 (shíyòng) is a window into the Chinese mindset of pragmatism (实用主义 - shíyòng zhǔyì). While Western cultures also value practicality, in China it is often elevated to a primary virtue. This emphasis stems from a long history where resourcefulness and a focus on what works were essential for survival and prosperity. In a Western context, calling something “practical” can sometimes be a backhanded compliment, implying it's “boring,” “unimaginative,” or lacking in style. For example, a “practical car” might be seen as a dull but reliable choice. In China, however, 实用 is almost always a strong endorsement. It signifies wisdom, intelligence, and a respectable, down-to-earth attitude. It reflects a preference for tangible results over abstract ideas, and for function over superfluous form. This value is evident everywhere:

• Education: Students often choose majors that are 实用, leading directly to stable careers.
• Consumer Choices: A product's 实用 features (durability, multi-functionality) are often more important than its brand name or flashy design.
• Gift-Giving: A 实用 gift, like a high-quality thermos or an electric appliance, is often more appreciated than something purely decorative. It shows that you have thoughtfully considered the recipient's actual needs.

This concept rejects wastefulness (浪费 - làngfèi) and celebrates getting the most value and utility out of one's resources, time, and efforts.

实用 is an extremely common adjective used in a wide range of everyday situations.

This is the most common use. It's used to praise products, tools, clothing, and furniture that are well-designed for their purpose.

• Positive: “这件夹克很实用，又防水又保暖。” (This jacket is very practical; it's waterproof and warm.)
• Negative: “这个设计虽然好看，但是不实用。” (This design is nice to look at, but it's not practical.)

It refers to skills or information that can be directly applied to solve problems.

• “我学的这个编程语言非常实用。” (This programming language I'm learning is very practical.)
• “他给的建议很实用，解决了我的大问题。” (The advice he gave was very practical and solved my big problem.)

While less common, describing a person as 实用 means they are down-to-earth, reliable, and focused on getting things done, rather than being overly romantic or idealistic. It's generally a compliment, implying they are a dependable partner or colleague.

• Example 1:
  • 这款手机有很多实用的功能。
  • Pinyin: Zhè kuǎn shǒujī yǒu hěnduō shíyòng de gōngnéng.
  • English: This model of phone has a lot of practical functions.
  • Analysis: A very common phrase in product reviews or when shopping. It emphasizes the usefulness of the features.
• Example 2:
  • 我妈妈送我的生日礼物总是很实用。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ māma sòng wǒ de shēngrì lǐwù zǒngshì hěn shíyòng.
  • English: The birthday gifts my mom gives me are always very practical.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects the cultural value of giving useful gifts. The tone is appreciative.
• Example 3:
  • 学习怎么修电脑是一个很实用的技能。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí zěnme xiū diànnǎo shì yī個 hěn shíyòng de jìnéng.
  • English: Learning how to fix computers is a very practical skill.
  • Analysis: Highlights how 实用 is used to describe skills that have clear, real-world applications.
• Example 4:
  • 你觉得买这个真的实用吗？我们用得到吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ juéde mǎi zhège zhēn de shíyòng ma? Wǒmen yòng de dào ma?
  • English: Do you think buying this is actually practical? Will we use it?
  • Analysis: A common question when making a purchasing decision, weighing the practicality against the cost or desire.
• Example 5:
  • 他的想法听起来不错，但一点也不实用。
  • Pinyin: Tā de xiǎngfǎ tīng qǐlái bùcuò, dàn yīdiǎn yě bù shíyòng.
  • English: His idea sounds good, but it's not practical at all.
  • Analysis: Using the negative form “不实用” (bù shíyòng) is a common way to critique a plan or idea that is too theoretical or unrealistic.
• Example 6:
  • 这本旅游指南非常实用，地图和信息都很清楚。
  • Pinyin: Zhè běn lǚyóu zhǐnán fēicháng shíyòng, dìtú hé xìnxī dōu hěn qīngchǔ.
  • English: This travel guide is extremely practical; the maps and information are very clear.
  • Analysis: Shows how 实用 can apply to information sources. The guide is useful because it's designed to be easily used in a real situation.
• Example 7:
  • 我们需要一个更实用的解决方案，而不是空谈。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào yīgè gèng shíyòng de jiějué fāng'àn, ér bùshì kōngtán.
  • English: We need a more practical solution, not just empty talk.
  • Analysis: A typical phrase used in a business or project management context, demanding actionable plans.
• Example 8:
  • 对于初学者来说，这个软件比那个更实用。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú chūxuézhě lái shuō, zhège ruǎnjiàn bǐ nàge gèng shíyòng.
  • English: For beginners, this software is more practical than that one.
  • Analysis: Used in a comparative sense to recommend the more functional or user-friendly option.
• Example 9:
  • 这双鞋的设计兼具了时尚和实用性。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shuāng xié de shèjì jiānjù le shíshàng hé shíyòngxìng.
  • English: The design of these shoes balances both fashion and practicality.
  • Analysis: This example introduces the noun form 实用性 (shíyòngxìng), meaning “practicality” or “utility.”
• Example 10:
  • 他是一个很实用的人，做事从不拖泥带水。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yīgè hěn shíyòng de rén, zuòshì cóngbù tuōnídàishuǐ.
  • English: He is a very practical person and never procrastinates when doing things.
  • Analysis: An example of describing a person. It implies efficiency, reliability, and a no-nonsense attitude.

• “Practical” (实用) vs. “Convenient” (方便 - fāngbiàn): This is a key distinction for learners.
  • 实用 (shíyòng) is about *functionality and purpose*. A professional camera is very 实用 for a photographer, but it's not convenient to carry around.
  • 方便 (fāngbiàn) is about *ease and saving effort*. A disposable cup is very 方便, but it's not a 实用 long-term solution for drinking coffee.
  • Mistake: Saying “这个地铁站很实用” (This subway station is very practical). You should say “这个地铁站很方便” (This subway station is very convenient). The station's value is its ease of access, not its fundamental function.
• “Practical” (实用) vs. “Useful” (有用 - yǒuyòng):
  • 有用 (yǒuyòng) is a broader term meaning “has a use.” A beautiful painting is 有用 because its use is to be appreciated.
  • 实用 (shíyòng) is more specific. It means its use is functional and tangible. The same painting would not be described as 实用.
  • Rule of Thumb: Everything that is 实用 is also 有用, but not everything that is 有用 is 实用.
• Incorrect Context: Avoid using 实用 for things whose value is primarily aesthetic, emotional, or abstract.
  • Incorrect: `这首诗很实用。` (This poem is very practical.)
  • Why it's wrong: A poem's value is in its beauty and emotional resonance, not its tangible function.

• 方便 (fāngbiàn) - Convenient; easy to use. Describes something that saves time or effort, which is different from being fundamentally functional.
• 有用 (yǒuyòng) - Useful. A broader synonym. 实用 is a specific type of 有用.
• 实际 (shíjì) - Actual; realistic. A very close synonym often used to describe plans or people who are grounded in reality. Can be interchangeable with 实用 in many contexts.
• 功能 (gōngnéng) - Function; feature. A noun describing the capabilities that make a product 实用.
• 耐用 (nàiyòng) - Durable; long-lasting. An attribute that often makes an object 实用.
• 价值 (jiàzhí) - Value; worth. Something that is 实用 is considered to have high practical 价值.
• 理论 (lǐlùn) - Theory. The direct conceptual opposite of 实用.
• 华而不实 (huá'érbùshí) - A chengyu (idiom) meaning “flashy but not substantive” or “flowery but without substance.” It is the perfect antonym for 实用.
• 实用主义 (shíyòng zhǔyì) - Pragmatism. The philosophical or cultural mindset that prizes what is 实用.
• 划算 (huásuàn) - Good value; a bargain. A deal is 划算 if the 实用 value you get is high for the price you pay.