wúxiào: 无效 - Invalid, Ineffective, Void

• Keywords: wuxiao, 无效, invalid Chinese, ineffective Chinese, how to say void in Chinese, wuxiao meaning, Chinese grammar invalid, expired in Chinese, null and void, cancel in Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 无效 (wúxiào), which means “invalid,” “ineffective,” or “void.” This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, from understanding its character origins to its practical use in modern China for everything from an expired ticket or an invalid password to a voided contract. Discover the key difference between 无效 (wúxiào) and 没用 (méiyòng) to avoid common mistakes and speak more authentic Chinese.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): wúxiào
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: Lacking legal force or effect; not producing the intended result.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 无效 (wúxiào) as an official “VOID” stamp in Chinese. It's a clear, factual, and somewhat formal term used to declare that something has no effect, power, or validity. Whether it's a password, a coupon, a plan, or a contract, if it's `无效`, it simply doesn't work or count.

• 无 (wú): This fundamental character means “without,” “no,” “not have,” or “lacking.” It's one of the most common ways to express negation in Chinese.
• 效 (xiào): This character means “effect,” “result,” or “efficacy.” It's composed of `交 (jiāo)`, meaning “to interact,” and `攵 (pū)`, a radical related to action. Thus, `效` represents the result that comes from an action or interaction.

When combined, 无效 (wúxiào) literally means “without effect.” This direct combination perfectly captures the modern meaning of something being invalid, ineffective, or void.

While `无效` is a highly functional word, its common usage reflects the structure of modern Chinese society, which is increasingly built on formal systems, rules, and digital protocols. In a Western context, “invalid” can sometimes open a negotiation. You might say, “This coupon is expired, but can you make an exception?” In China, while this can happen, the declaration of `无效` often carries a stronger sense of finality, especially in official or automated systems. It's less a suggestion and more a statement of fact. This reflects a cultural pragmatism: a rule is a rule, and the system has declared the item `无效`. There's often less expectation of bending the rules. This is particularly true in digital contexts—an invalid password (`密码无效`) is an absolute barrier that no amount of persuasion can change. It highlights a shift towards standardized, impersonal systems in commerce and governance.

`无效` is a versatile word used in various formal and informal contexts. Its tone is generally neutral and objective, though the outcome it describes might be frustrating.

• Legal and Official Documents: This is the most formal usage. It's used to declare contracts, agreements, or legal decisions as null and void.
  • e.g., `合同无效 (hétong wúxiào)` - The contract is void.
• Everyday Transactions: This is extremely common for items with an expiration date or specific conditions.
  • e.g., `车票无效 (chēpiào wúxiào)` - The ticket is invalid. `优惠券无效 (yōuhuìquàn wúxiào)` - The coupon is invalid.
• Digital and Tech: In the digital age, you'll encounter `无效` constantly online.
  • e.g., `密码无效 (mìmǎ wúxiào)` - Invalid password. `链接无效 (liànjiē wúxiào)` - Invalid link.
• Actions and Efforts: It can describe an attempt or action that produced no result.
  • e.g., `抢救无效 (qiǎngjiù wúxiào)` - Rescue efforts were ineffective (a common, somber phrase in news reports). `他的努力无效 (tā de nǔlì wúxiào)` - His efforts were ineffective.

• Example 1:
  • 对不起，您的车票已过期无效。
  • Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, nín de chēpiào yǐ guòqī wúxiào.
  • English: Sorry, your ticket has expired and is invalid.
  • Analysis: A very common and practical sentence you might hear at a train or bus station. `已 (yǐ)` means “already,” emphasizing the state of being invalid.
• Example 2:
  • 您输入的密码无效，请重试。
  • Pinyin: Nín shūrù de mìmǎ wúxiào, qǐng chóngshì.
  • English: The password you entered is invalid, please try again.
  • Analysis: Anyone who uses the internet in Chinese will see this phrase. It's a standard system message.
• Example 3:
  • 如果没有双方签字，这份合同就是无效的。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu shuāngfāng qiānzì, zhè fèn hétong jiùshì wúxiào de.
  • English: If it's not signed by both parties, this contract is void.
  • Analysis: This shows `无效` used in a formal, conditional sentence about a legal document. The `的 (de)` at the end helps solidify `无效` as an adjective describing the contract.
• Example 4:
  • 医生说这种治疗方法对他无效。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō zhè zhǒng zhìliáo fāngfǎ duì tā wúxiào.
  • English: The doctor said this treatment method is ineffective for him.
  • Analysis: Here, `无效` describes a