效率 (xiàolǜ) — efficiency; effectiveness
HSK 4 | noun | the ability to accomplish something with minimal waste
效率 (xiàolǜ)
效率 refers to efficiency, describing how well resources such as time and energy are used to achieve results, with minimal waste.
Meanings
- [noun] efficiency; effectiveness; productivity
Example Sentences
提高工作效率是每个员工的目标。 Tígāo gōngzuò xiàolǜ shì měi gè yuángōng de mùbiāo. Improving work efficiency is the goal of every employee.
这个新软件大大提高了数据处理的效率。 Zhège xīn ruǎnjiàn dàdà tígāole shùjù chǔlǐ de xiàolǜ. This new software greatly improved data processing efficiency.
开会太多会降低团队的工作效率。 Kāihuì tài duō huì jiàngdī tuánduì de gōngzuò xiàolǜ. Too many meetings will reduce the team's work efficiency.
要学会合理安排时间，提高学习效率。 Yào xuéhuì hélǐ ānpái shíjiān, tígāo xuéxí xiàolǜ. Learn to manage your time well to improve your study efficiency.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 提高效率 | to improve efficiency |
| 工作效率 | work efficiency |
| 低效率 | low efficiency |
| 效率低下 | inefficient |
Usage Notes
效率 focuses on how much output is achieved relative to input (time, money, effort). It is often paired with 提高 (to improve) or 降低 (to reduce). At B1 level it is very common in discussions of business, study methods, and management. The adjective form is 高效 (highly efficient) or 低效 (inefficient).
Memory Hook
效 means "effect/result" and 率 means "rate/ratio." So 效率 is the "rate of results": how many results you produce per unit of effort, which is exactly what efficiency measures.