便利 vs 有用
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 便利
Listen to 有用
| 便利 | 有用 |
|---|---|
be-NRI adjective | ゆうよう adjective |
| convenient; useful; handy | useful; beneficial; of value |
How they differ
有用 is more formal and abstract than 便利. It is used for things that have clear utility or value, especially in written or technical contexts, whereas 便利 is more everyday and points to convenience in use.
When to use each
When to use 便利: Use 便利 in everyday conversation when talking about something being handy or easy to use.
When to use 有用: Use 有用 in formal writing or when describing something as valuable in a broader, more serious sense.
Side-by-side examples
- この機能はとても便利だ。
(This feature is very convenient.) - このデータは研究に有用だ。
(This data is useful for research.)
Register & nuance: 有用 is more formal and often appears in written language, reports, and technical discussion.