useful

Compared meaning: useful or convenient (adjective).

比较义项：有用的、便利的（形容词）。

• useful 本词

  Broader and more neutral: emphasizes that something serves a practical purpose or helps achieve a result, without implying convenience or portability.

  含义更宽泛、更中性：强调某物能起到实际作用、有助于达成某个结果，并不强调是否方便携带或使用顺手。

  The training gave us several useful tips for managing our time better.

  这次培训给了我们几个有用的建议，帮助我们更好地管理时间。

• handy

  More informal; stresses that something is convenient, easy to use or reach, often a small portable object kept close for practical use.

  更口语化：强调某物方便使用或取用，常指随身携带、便于操作的小物件。

  I always keep a spare phone charger handy in my bag.

  我总是在包里备一个充电器，用起来很方便。

Useful and handy both describe something helpful, but with different focus. Useful stresses that something serves a practical purpose or gets a result, and applies broadly. Handy is informal, stressing that something is convenient and easy to use or reach, often a small, portable object.

这两个词都形容某物能帮上忙，但侧重点不同：useful 强调东西本身有效用、能解决问题，适用范围广；handy 更强调使用起来方便顺手，常用于随身小物或工具，语气也更口语化。