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用得着 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
用得着yòngdezháoto be able to useHSK 6, unknown, 27 strokes, Hard
用得着yòngdezháouseableHSK 6, unknown, 27 strokes, Hard
用得着yòngdezháoto have a use for sthHSK 6, unknown, 27 strokes, Hard
用得着yòngdezháo(in interrogative sentence) to be necessary toHSK 6, unknown, 27 strokes, Hard
yòngdezháo(yong4de5zhao2)yong de zhao T4
  1. 1to be able to use
  2. 2useable
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March 24, 2026

用得着(用得著)yòngdezháo(yong4de5zhao2)

用得着 is a phrase that means 'to be able to use' or 'to have a use for something.' It is commonly used when discussing whether something is necessary or useful in a particular context. This phrase can also imply that something may not be needed in certain situations, often used in interrogative sentences.

Strokes27DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the pragmatic approach in Chinese culture, where utility and functionality are often prioritized in conversations about resources and tools. It is common to assess whether something is necessary before making decisions.

Memory Tip

Think of 用 (yòng) as 'to use' and 得着 (dé zhao) as 'to obtain' or 'to get.' Picture a toolbox: when you have the right tools (用), you can get (得着) the job done. Visualize yourself reaching for the tool you need – it’s always there when you have a purpose!

Meanings of 用得着

yòngdezháo(yong4de5zhao2)
1to be able to use
2useable
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About 用得着

用得着Simplified
用得著Traditional
27Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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AI Study Notes for 用得着

Quick Contrast

需要 (xūyào, need) — use 用得着 to imply potential usefulness or necessity in a specific context, while 需要 directly expresses necessity.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using this phrase inappropriately in formal contexts, as it is more casual. Be careful with the tone of '得' and '着' – both should be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning. Typical collocations include '用得着他' (to be able to use him) or '用得着这个' (to have a use for this).

HSK Study Tips

While 用得着 is not specifically categorized under an HSK level, it is beneficial for learners at HSK 4 or higher due to its practical application in daily conversation. Students should focus on the phrases and contexts where necessity is being assessed.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 用得着 with 必需 (bì xū), which means 'essential.' For instance, saying '我用得着这个' (wǒ yòng dé zháo zhège) in a context where something is actually essential can be misleading; instead, use '我必须这个' (wǒ bì xū zhège).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 用得着

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Component Characters

用yòngto use
HSK 35 strokes用
View full entry
得destructural particle: used after a verb (or adjective as main verb), linking it to following phrase indicating effect, degree, possibility etc
HSK 211 strokes彳
View full entry
着zheaspect particle indicating action in progress
HSK 211 strokes目
View full entry

How to say to be able to use in Chinese

“to be able to use” in Chinese is用得着yòngdezháo

用得着 is a phrase that means 'to be able to use' or 'to have a use for something.' It is commonly used when discussing whether something is necessary or useful in a particular context. This phrase can also imply that something may not be needed in certain situations, often used in interrogative sentences.

When to use 用得着

Common mistakes include using this phrase inappropriately in formal contexts, as it is more casual. Be careful with the tone of '得' and '着' – both should be pronounced correctly to convey the intended meaning. Typical collocations include '用得着他' (to be able to use him) or '用得着这个' (to have a use for this).

用得着 or something close to it

需要 (xūyào, need) — use 用得着 to imply potential usefulness or necessity in a specific context, while 需要 directly expresses necessity.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 用得着 with 必需 (bì xū), which means 'essential.' For instance, saying '我用得着这个' (wǒ yòng dé zháo zhège) in a context where something is actually essential can be misleading; instead, use '我必须这个' (wǒ bì xū zhège).

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用
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着

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Frequently Asked Questions about 用得着

It's better suited for informal settings; in formal situations, consider alternatives like 必要 (bì yào) for necessity.

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