有助于 / 不利于
A helps, benefits or harms B
Structure
A 有助于／有利于／不利于 B
What it means
Says whether A helps, benefits or harms B: 有助于 = helps, 有利于 = is good for, 不利于 = is bad for.
How it is built
A + 有助于／有利于／不利于 + B (a noun or verb phrase): 多读报纸有助于提高阅读水平 (Reading newspapers a lot helps improve your reading). 于 here means 'to, for'.
When to use it
Written or formal speech. Spoken versions: 对…有帮助, 对…有好处, 对…不好: 冷的东西对身体不好.
Watch out
No 对 before B, since 于 already means 'to': ✗ 有助于对健康 ✓ 有助于健康 (or 对健康有帮助). The negative is 不利于: ✗ 没有利于.
Examples
冷的东西不利于身体健康。
Cold things are bad for your health.
多读报纸有助于提高阅读水平。
Reading newspapers a lot helps improve your reading.
Learn this in Lesson 33 · HSK 5–6: 中医与养生 (Chinese medicine and keeping well)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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