gōngjùrén: 工具人 - "Tool Person", "Utility Person", "Simp"

• Keywords: gōngjùrén, 工具人, Chinese slang, tool person, simp in Chinese, what is a tool person, being used in a relationship, Chinese internet slang, pushover, friend zone in Chinese, 备胎.
• Summary: An essential modern Chinese slang term, gōngjùrén (工具人), literally translates to “tool person.” It describes someone who is exploited for their skills, resources, or favors by another person—often in a one-sided romantic pursuit—without receiving genuine affection or respect in return. Similar to the English concepts of being “in the friend zone” or a “simp,” the gōngjùrén is valued only for their utility, like a convenient tool, and is discarded when their purpose is served.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): gōngjùrén
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A (Modern Internet Slang)
• Concise Definition: A person who is exploited or used by others like a tool, especially for unreciprocated romantic interest.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine someone who is always there to fix a computer, give a ride at 2 AM, or help with a difficult assignment for someone they have a crush on. However, this person is never considered a real romantic partner. They are just a convenient “tool” to be used when needed and then put back on the shelf. The term gōngjùrén captures this feeling of being used and unappreciated, often with a tone of self-pity or resignation.

• 工 (gōng): This character's original form was a picture of a carpenter's square. It means “work,” “labor,” or “skill.”
• 具 (jù): This character means “tool,” “implement,” or “utensil.”
• 人 (rén): This character is a simple pictograph of a person walking, meaning “person” or “human.”

When combined, 工具 (gōngjù) means “tool” or “instrument.” Adding 人 (rén) at the end transforms it from an object to a person, literally a “tool person.” It vividly describes someone whose identity in a relationship has been reduced to their function and usefulness.

The term gōngjùrén is a product of modern Chinese internet culture and reflects the anxieties of young people navigating relationships in a highly competitive and sometimes transactional society. It's a cynical and humorous way to talk about the painful experience of unrequited affection and exploitation. Comparison to Western Concepts:

• “Friend Zone”: This is a close equivalent, but with a key difference. A person in the “friend zone” is rejected as a romantic partner but valued for their friendship. A gōngjùrén is often not even valued for their friendship; they are valued specifically for the tasks they can perform. The focus is on utility and labor, not just platonic companionship. You call a friend to talk; you call a gōngjùrén to fix your Wi-Fi.
• “Simp”: This slang term also overlaps, but “simp” often emphasizes excessive, almost pathetic fawning and flattery (especially online) in hopes of winning affection. Gōngjùrén is more grounded in providing tangible, real-world services and help. A gōngjùrén proves their worth through deeds, not just words or donations.

This term highlights a frustration with relationships that feel one-sided and utilitarian, a common complaint in a society where practical benefits can sometimes overshadow genuine emotional connection.

Gōngjùrén is an informal, colloquial term used widely on social media and in casual conversations among young people. Its connotation is almost always negative, carrying a sense of self-deprecation, complaint, or pity.

• In Romantic Pursuits: This is the most common context. It describes someone (often a man) who performs endless favors for a person they are interested in, only to be seen as a convenient helper rather than a potential partner.
• In the Workplace: The term can also describe an employee who is saddled with all the undesirable tasks or who helps colleagues without receiving any credit or recognition. They are the office's “go-to” person for problems but are overlooked for promotions.
• In Friendships: It can refer to a “friend” who is only contacted when a favor is needed, like borrowing money, moving apartments, or needing a ride.

• Example 1:
  • 我不想再当她的工具人了，每次找我都是让我修电脑。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bùxiǎng zài dāng tā de gōngjùrén le, měi cì zhǎo wǒ dōu shì ràng wǒ xiū diànnǎo.
  • English: I don't want to be her tool person anymore. Every time she contacts me, it's just to get me to fix her computer.
  • Analysis: A classic complaint. The speaker realizes their “relationship” is purely based on their technical skills.
• Example 2:
  • 别傻了，她有男朋友，你只是个工具人。
  • Pinyin: Bié shǎ le, tā yǒu nánpéngyǒu, nǐ zhǐshì ge gōngjùrén.
  • English: Don't be stupid, she has a boyfriend. You're just a tool person to her.
  • Analysis: A friend giving another friend a harsh reality check. This highlights the one-sided nature of the dynamic.
• Example 3:
  • 他每天给她买早饭，送她回家，结果连手都没牵过，真是个合格的工具人。
  • Pinyin: Tā měitiān gěi tā mǎi zǎofàn, sòng tā huí jiā, jiéguǒ lián shǒu dōu méi qiānguò, zhēnshi ge hégé de gōngjùrén.
  • English: He buys her breakfast and takes her home every day, but he's never even held her hand. He's truly a qualified tool person.
  • Analysis: This example uses sarcasm (“qualified”) to describe someone who perfectly fits the role of a gōngjùrén.
• Example 4:
  • 在老板眼里，我就是个负责加班的工具人。
  • Pinyin: Zài lǎobǎn yǎn lǐ, wǒ jiùshì ge fùzé jiābān de gōngjùrén.
  • English: In my boss's eyes, I'm just a tool person responsible for working overtime.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's application in a workplace context, expressing feelings of exploitation and being unappreciated by a superior.
• Example 5:
  • 你到底是喜欢我，还是把我当工具人？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ dàodǐ shì xǐhuān wǒ, háishì bǎ wǒ dāng gōngjùrén?
  • English: Do you actually like me, or do you just see me as a tool person?
  • Analysis: A direct and confrontational question, used when someone wants to clarify the nature of a relationship.
• Example 6:
  • 我感觉自己快变成我们宿舍的工具人了，什么杂活都找我。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ gǎnjué zìjǐ kuài biànchéng wǒmen sùshè de gōngjùrén le, shénme záhuó dōu zhǎo wǒ.
  • English: I feel like I'm becoming the dorm's tool person; they ask me to do all the odd jobs.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the term's use outside of romance, in a social living situation.
• Example 7:
  • 作为一个工具人，我的手机24小时为她开机。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi yīge gōngjùrén, wǒ de shǒujī èrshísì xiǎoshí wèi tā kāijī.
  • English: As a tool person, my phone is on for her 24 hours a day.
  • Analysis: A classic example of self-deprecating humor, highlighting the constant availability expected of a gōngjùrén.
• Example 8:
  • 他终于醒悟了，不再给那个女孩当工具人了。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhōngyú xǐngwù le, bù zài gěi nàge nǚhái dāng gōngjùrén le.
  • English: He finally woke up and stopped being that girl's tool person.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the positive outcome of someone realizing their situation and deciding to change it.
• Example 9:
  • 我朋友说，追女孩不能太主动，不然容易变成工具人。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ péngyǒu shuō, zhuī nǚhái bùnéng tài zhǔdòng, bùrán róngyì biànchéng gōngjùrén.
  • English: My friend says you can't be too proactive when pursuing a girl, or else you'll easily become a tool person.
  • Analysis: This shows the term being used as a cautionary concept in dating advice.
• Example 10:
  • 这个项目的成功全靠他，但功劳都是经理的，他就是个工具人。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù de chénggōng quán kào tā, dàn gōngláo dōu shì jīnglǐ de, tā jiùshì ge gōngjùrén.
  • English: The project's success was all thanks to him, but the manager took all the credit. He's just a tool person.
  • Analysis: Another clear workplace example, where hard work is exploited without reward or recognition.

• “Tool Person” vs. The English Insult “Tool”: This is a critical distinction. In English, calling someone a “tool” means they are an idiot, an asshole, or an obnoxious person. Gōngjùrén is completely different. It describes a victim, someone who is pitiable and exploited. The focus is on their function in a relationship, not their negative personality traits.
• Helpful Friend vs. Gōngjùrén: A kind person who genuinely enjoys helping their friends is not a gōngjùrén. The term only applies when there is a clear, one-sided dynamic of exploitation and a lack of reciprocated feelings or respect. If your father helps you fix your car, he's being a great dad, not a gōngjùrén. The context of unreciprocated (often romantic) interest is key.
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • `我的朋友帮我搬家，他真是一个好工具人！ (Wǒ de péngyǒu bāng wǒ bānjiā, tā zhēnshi yīge hǎo gōngjùrén!)`
  • Why it's wrong: This is meant as a compliment, but gōngjùrén is an insult or a term of pity. It implies you are using your friend. The correct way to express this would be: `他真是一个好朋友 (tā zhēnshi yīge hǎo péngyǒu)` or `他真够意思 (tā zhēn gòu yìsi)`.

• 备胎 (bèitāi) - Literally “spare tire.” A backup romantic option. A gōngjùrén is often, but not always, also considered a `bèitāi`. The `bèitāi` is kept in reserve as a potential partner, while the gōngjùrén is kept in reserve for their usefulness.
• 舔狗 (tiǎngǒu) - “Licking dog.” A much harsher and more vulgar term for a “simp.” It describes someone with zero self-respect who shamelessly fawns over another person. `tiǎngǒu` focuses on pathetic flattery, while gōngjùrén focuses on performing tasks.
• 老好人 (lǎohǎorén) - “Old good person.” Refers to a people-pleaser or a pushover who can't say “no.” This is a general personality trait, whereas gōngjùrén describes a specific role within a relationship. A `lǎohǎorén` is likely to become a gōngjùrén.
• 暖男 (nuǎnnán) - “Warm man.” A man who is kind, caring, considerate, and attentive to others' needs. This is the positive ideal. A man might think his actions make him a `nuǎnnán`, but the object of his affection might perceive him as a gōngjùrén.
• 女神 (nǚshén) - “Goddess.” Often used to refer to the beautiful, popular, and seemingly unattainable woman whom the gōngjùrén or `bèitāi` pursues.
• 接盘侠 (jiēpánxiá) - “Plate-catching hero.” A slang term for a man who marries or dates a woman who is not a virgin, has a “checkered past,” or is pregnant with another man's child. It implies he is “taking on” someone else's burden.
• 直男 (zhínán) - “Straight man.” In internet slang, this often means a man who is romantically clueless, unrefined, and doesn't understand women's hints or emotions. A `zhínán` might become a gōngjùrén without even realizing he's being used.