Definition
不利 (bù lì) describes a situation or condition that is unfavorable or disadvantageous, often used with 对 (duì) to indicate what is harmed. It focuses on lack of advantage, unlike 不良 (bù liáng) which describes a bad quality or habit, and 有害 (yǒu hài) which directly means 'harmful' (e.g., to health). 不妙 (bú miào) is more about an ominous or worrying turn of events.
adjective
unfavorabledisadvantageousharmful
Easily confused
- 不力bú lìsound-alikenot doing one's best; not exerting oneself; inept (in performance)
Examples
- 不利。Zhège fāng'àn duì gōngsī de fāzhǎn hěn bù lì.This plan is unfavorable to the company's development.
- 不利。Mùqián de jīngjì xíngshì duì tóuzī bù lì.The current economic situation is unfavorable for investment.
- 不利。Zhè zhǒng zhèngcè duì nóngmín hěn bù lì.This policy is very disadvantageous to farmers.
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