优势 (yōushì)

优势 refers to a quality, condition, or position that gives someone or something a superior edge over others.

Meanings

[noun] Advantage; strength; edge; upper hand; superiority.

Example Sentences

这个产品的主要优势是价格低。 Zhège chǎnpǐn de zhǔyào yōushì shì jiàgé dī. The main advantage of this product is its low price.

他的语言优势帮助他找到了好工作。 Tā de yǔyán yōushì bāngzhù tā zhǎodào le hǎo gōngzuò. His language advantage helped him find a good job.

这家公司在技术方面具有很大优势。 Zhè jiā gōngsī zài jìshù fāngmiàn jùyǒu hěn dà yōushì. This company has a great advantage in terms of technology.

我们要发挥自己的优势，克服劣势。 Wǒmen yào fāhuī zìjǐ de yōushì, kèfú lièshì. We should leverage our advantages and overcome our weaknesses.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
竞争优势	competitive advantage
发挥优势	to leverage one's strengths
具有优势	to possess an advantage
优势互补	complementary strengths
优势明显	obvious advantage

Usage Notes

优势 often appears in business and competition contexts. Its antonym is 劣势 (lièshì, disadvantage). The phrase 发挥优势 (bring one's strengths into play) is very common in professional Chinese writing. 竞争优势 (competitive advantage) is a key business term.

Memory Hook

优 means "excellent/superior" and 势 means "momentum/power" — superior momentum gives you the advantage.