Definition
利害 (lìhài) is a formal noun meaning 'pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages' or 'stakes' in a situation. It is similar to 利弊 (lìbì, noun, also 'pros and cons'), but 利害 often implies personal interest or risk, while 利弊 is more analytical. Note: do not confuse with 厉害 (lìhai, adjective, 'amazing, severe, intense') — they have different pronunciations and meanings.
noun
pros and consadvantages and disadvantagesstakes
Easily confused
- 厉害lì haisound-alikeamazing, outstanding, impressive (of a person's ability or skill)
Examples
- 利害。Zhè jiàn shì guānxì dào wǒmen de lì hài.This matter relates to our interests/stakes.
- 利害。Nǐ yào zǐxì fēnxī qízhōng de lì hài déshī.You need to carefully analyze the pros and cons.
- 利害。Tā wánquán kàn bù qīng zìjǐ zài qízhōng de lì hài.He completely fails to see his own stakes in this.
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