有效 (yǒuxiào) — effective, valid
HSK 5 | adjective | producing the desired result; legally or formally valid
有效 (yǒuxiào)
Describes something that works as intended and produces real results -- or something that is legally or formally in force.
Meanings
- [adjective] effective, efficacious (producing results)
- [adjective] valid, in force (legally or formally binding)
Example Sentences
这种药物对治疗失眠非常有效。 Zhè zhǒng yàowù duì zhìliáo shīmián fēicháng yǒuxiào. This medication is very effective for treating insomnia.
请在有效期内使用您的优惠券。 Qǐng zài yǒuxiào qī nèi shǐyòng nín de yōuhuìquàn. Please use your coupon within its validity period.
有效沟通是解决团队矛盾的最佳方式。 Yǒuxiào gōutōng shì jiějué tuánduì máodùn de zuìjiā fāngshì. Effective communication is the best way to resolve team conflicts.
护照是出境时唯一有效的身份证明文件。 Hùzhào shì chūjìng shí wéiyī yǒuxiào de shēnfèn zhèngmíng wénjiàn. A passport is the only valid identity document when leaving the country.
研究表明，定期锻炼是预防心脏病的有效手段。 Yánjiū biǎomíng, dìngqī duànliàn shì yùfáng xīnzàngbìng de yǒuxiào shǒuduàn. Research shows that regular exercise is an effective means of preventing heart disease.
这份协议在双方签署后立即生效，为期三年有效。 Zhè fèn xiéyì zài shuāngfāng qiānshǔ hòu lìjí shēngxiào, wéiqī sānnián yǒuxiào. This agreement takes effect immediately upon signing by both parties and is valid for three years.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 有效期 (yǒuxiào qī) | validity period, expiry date |
| 有效措施 (yǒuxiào cuòshī) | effective measures |
| 有效方法 (yǒuxiào fāngfǎ) | effective method |
| 切实有效 (qièshí yǒuxiào) | practical and effective |
| 有效利用 (yǒuxiào lìyòng) | to make effective use of |
| 有效沟通 (yǒuxiào gōutōng) | effective communication |
Usage Notes
有效 covers two distinct English meanings: "effective" (producing desired results) and "valid" (legally or temporally in force). Context determines which sense applies. 有效期 (validity period) relates to the legal/temporal sense, while 有效方法 (effective method) relates to efficacy.
The antonym is 无效 (wúxiào), meaning "ineffective" or "invalid/null and void." In legal and contractual Chinese, 无效合同 (null and void contract) and 有效期 are standard phrases B2 learners need to know.
Memory Hook
有 = to have. 效 = effect/result. Something 有效 is something that "has effect" -- it delivers what it promises.