gōngjùrén: 工具人 - "Tool Person", "Utility Person", "Simp" [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== gōngjùrén: 工具人 - "Tool Person", "Utility Person", "Simp" ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** gōngjùrén, 工具人, Chinese slang, tool person, simp in Chinese, what is a tool person, being used in a relationship, Chinese internet slang, pushover, friend zone in Chinese, 备胎.
  * **Summary:** An essential modern Chinese slang term, **gōngjùrén (工具人)**, literally translates to "tool person." It describes someone who is exploited for their skills, resources, or favors by another person—often in a one-sided romantic pursuit—without receiving genuine affection or respect in return. Similar to the English concepts of being "in the friend zone" or a "simp," the gōngjùrén is valued only for their utility, like a convenient tool, and is discarded when their purpose is served.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** gōngjùrén
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** N/A (Modern Internet Slang)
  * **Concise Definition:** A person who is exploited or used by others like a tool, especially for unreciprocated romantic interest.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Imagine someone who is always there to fix a computer, give a ride at 2 AM, or help with a difficult assignment for someone they have a crush on. However, this person is never considered a real romantic partner. They are just a convenient "tool" to be used when needed and then put back on the shelf. The term **gōngjùrén** captures this feeling of being used and unappreciated, often with a tone of self-pity or resignation.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **工 (gōng):** This character's original form was a picture of a carpenter's square. It means "work," "labor," or "skill."
  * **具 (jù):** This character means "tool," "implement," or "utensil."
  * **人 (rén):** This character is a simple pictograph of a person walking, meaning "person" or "human."
When combined, **工具 (gōngjù)** means "tool" or "instrument." Adding **人 (rén)** at the end transforms it from an object to a person, literally a "tool person." It vividly describes someone whose identity in a relationship has been reduced to their function and usefulness.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
The term **gōngjùrén** is a product of modern Chinese internet culture and reflects the anxieties of young people navigating relationships in a highly competitive and sometimes transactional society. It's a cynical and humorous way to talk about the painful experience of unrequited affection and exploitation.
**Comparison to Western Concepts:**
  * **"Friend Zone":** This is a close equivalent, but with a key difference. A person in the "friend zone" is rejected as a romantic partner but valued for their friendship. A **gōngjùrén** is often not even valued for their friendship; they are valued specifically for the //tasks// they can perform. The focus is on utility and labor, not just platonic companionship. You call a friend to talk; you call a **gōngjùrén** to fix your Wi-Fi.
  * **"Simp":** This slang term also overlaps, but "simp" often emphasizes excessive, almost pathetic fawning and flattery (especially online) in hopes of winning affection. **Gōngjùrén** is more grounded in providing tangible, real-world services and help. A **gōngjùrén** proves their worth through deeds, not just words or donations.
This term highlights a frustration with relationships that feel one-sided and utilitarian, a common complaint in a society where practical benefits can sometimes overshadow genuine emotional connection.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**Gōngjùrén** is an informal, colloquial term used widely on social media and in casual conversations among young people. Its connotation is almost always negative, carrying a sense of self-deprecation, complaint, or pity.
  * **In Romantic Pursuits:** This is the most common context. It describes someone (often a man) who performs endless favors for a person they are interested in, only to be seen as a convenient helper rather than a potential partner.
  * **In the Workplace:** The term can also describe an employee who is saddled with all the undesirable tasks or who helps colleagues without receiving any credit or recognition. They are the office's "go-to" person for problems but are overlooked for promotions.
  * **In Friendships:** It can refer to a "friend" who is only contacted when a favor is needed, like borrowing money, moving apartments, or needing a ride.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 我不想再当她的**工具人**了，每次找我都是让我修电脑。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ bùxiǎng zài dāng tā de **gōngjùrén** le, měi cì zhǎo wǒ dōu shì ràng wǒ xiū diànnǎo.
    * English: I don't want to be her **tool person** anymore. Every time she contacts me, it's just to get me to fix her computer.
    * Analysis: A classic complaint. The speaker realizes their "relationship" is purely based on their technical skills.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 别傻了，她有男朋友，你只是个**工具人**。
    * Pinyin: Bié shǎ le, tā yǒu nánpéngyǒu, nǐ zhǐshì ge **gōngjùrén**.
    * English: Don't be stupid, she has a boyfriend. You're just a **tool person** to her.
    * Analysis: A friend giving another friend a harsh reality check. This highlights the one-sided nature of the dynamic.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 他每天给她买早饭，送她回家，结果连手都没牵过，真是个合格的**工具人**。
    * Pinyin: Tā měitiān gěi tā mǎi zǎofàn, sòng tā huí jiā, jiéguǒ lián shǒu dōu méi qiānguò, zhēnshi ge hégé de **gōngjùrén**.
    * English: He buys her breakfast and takes her home every day, but he's never even held her hand. He's truly a qualified **tool person**.
    * Analysis: This example uses sarcasm ("qualified") to describe someone who perfectly fits the role of a **gōngjùrén**.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 在老板眼里，我就是个负责加班的**工具人**。
    * Pinyin: Zài lǎobǎn yǎn lǐ, wǒ jiùshì ge fùzé jiābān de **gōngjùrén**.
    * English: In my boss's eyes, I'm just a **tool person** responsible for working overtime.
    * Analysis: This shows the term's application in a workplace context, expressing feelings of exploitation and being unappreciated by a superior.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 你到底是喜欢我，还是把我当**工具人**？
    * Pinyin: Nǐ dàodǐ shì xǐhuān wǒ, háishì bǎ wǒ dāng **gōngjùrén**?
    * English: Do you actually like me, or do you just see me as a **tool person**?
    * Analysis: A direct and confrontational question, used when someone wants to clarify the nature of a relationship.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 我感觉自己快变成我们宿舍的**工具人**了，什么杂活都找我。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ gǎnjué zìjǐ kuài biànchéng wǒmen sùshè de **gōngjùrén** le, shénme záhuó dōu zhǎo wǒ.
    * English: I feel like I'm becoming the dorm's **tool person**; they ask me to do all the odd jobs.
    * Analysis: This demonstrates the term's use outside of romance, in a social living situation.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 作为一个**工具人**，我的手机24小时为她开机。
    * Pinyin: Zuòwéi yīge **gōngjùrén**, wǒ de shǒujī èrshísì xiǎoshí wèi tā kāijī.
    * English: As a **tool person**, my phone is on for her 24 hours a day.
    * Analysis: A classic example of self-deprecating humor, highlighting the constant availability expected of a **gōngjùrén**.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 他终于醒悟了，不再给那个女孩当**工具人**了。
    * Pinyin: Tā zhōngyú xǐngwù le, bù zài gěi nàge nǚhái dāng **gōngjùrén** le.
    * English: He finally woke up and stopped being that girl's **tool person**.
    * Analysis: This sentence describes the positive outcome of someone realizing their situation and deciding to change it.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 我朋友说，追女孩不能太主动，不然容易变成**工具人**。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ péngyǒu shuō, zhuī nǚhái bùnéng tài zhǔdòng, bùrán róngyì biànchéng **gōngjùrén**.
    * English: My friend says you can't be too proactive when pursuing a girl, or else you'll easily become a **tool person**.
    * Analysis: This shows the term being used as a cautionary concept in dating advice.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 这个项目的成功全靠他，但功劳都是经理的，他就是个**工具人**。
    * Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù de chénggōng quán kào tā, dàn gōngláo dōu shì jīnglǐ de, tā jiùshì ge **gōngjùrén**.
    * English: The project's success was all thanks to him, but the manager took all the credit. He's just a **tool person**.
    * Analysis: Another clear workplace example, where hard work is exploited without reward or recognition.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **"Tool Person" vs. The English Insult "Tool":** This is a critical distinction. In English, calling someone a "tool" means they are an idiot, an asshole, or an obnoxious person. **Gōngjùrén** is completely different. It describes a victim, someone who is pitiable and exploited. The focus is on their function in a relationship, not their negative personality traits.
  * **Helpful Friend vs. Gōngjùrén:** A kind person who genuinely enjoys helping their friends is not a **gōngjùrén**. The term only applies when there is a clear, one-sided dynamic of exploitation and a lack of reciprocated feelings or respect. If your father helps you fix your car, he's being a great dad, not a **gōngjùrén**. The context of unreciprocated (often romantic) interest is key.
  * **Incorrect Usage Example:**
    * `我的朋友帮我搬家，他真是一个好**工具人**！ (Wǒ de péngyǒu bāng wǒ bānjiā, tā zhēnshi yīge hǎo gōngjùrén!)`
    * **Why it's wrong:** This is meant as a compliment, but **gōngjùrén** is an insult or a term of pity. It implies you are using your friend. The correct way to express this would be: `他真是一个好朋友 (tā zhēnshi yīge hǎo péngyǒu)` or `他真够意思 (tā zhēn gòu yìsi)`.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[备胎]] (bèitāi) - Literally "spare tire." A backup romantic option. A **gōngjùrén** is often, but not always, also considered a `bèitāi`. The `bèitāi` is kept in reserve as a potential partner, while the **gōngjùrén** is kept in reserve for their usefulness.
  * [[舔狗]] (tiǎngǒu) - "Licking dog." A much harsher and more vulgar term for a "simp." It describes someone with zero self-respect who shamelessly fawns over another person. `tiǎngǒu` focuses on pathetic flattery, while **gōngjùrén** focuses on performing tasks.
  * [[老好人]] (lǎohǎorén) - "Old good person." Refers to a people-pleaser or a pushover who can't say "no." This is a general personality trait, whereas **gōngjùrén** describes a specific role within a relationship. A `lǎohǎorén` is likely to become a **gōngjùrén**.
  * [[暖男]] (nuǎnnán) - "Warm man." A man who is kind, caring, considerate, and attentive to others' needs. This is the positive ideal. A man might think his actions make him a `nuǎnnán`, but the object of his affection might perceive him as a **gōngjùrén**.
  * [[女神]] (nǚshén) - "Goddess." Often used to refer to the beautiful, popular, and seemingly unattainable woman whom the **gōngjùrén** or `bèitāi` pursues.
  * [[接盘侠]] (jiēpánxiá) - "Plate-catching hero." A slang term for a man who marries or dates a woman who is not a virgin, has a "checkered past," or is pregnant with another man's child. It implies he is "taking on" someone else's burden.
  * [[直男]] (zhínán) - "Straight man." In internet slang, this often means a man who is romantically clueless, unrefined, and doesn't understand women's hints or emotions. A `zhínán` might become a **gōngjùrén** without even realizing he's being used.