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适用 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
适用shìyòngto be applicableHSK 5, unknown, 14 strokes, rank #7660, Hard
shìyòng(shi4yong4)shi yong T4
  1. 1to be applicable
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March 24, 2026

适用(適用)shìyòng(shi4yong4)

The word 适用 (shìyòng) means 'to be applicable' or 'to be suitable for use'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is relevant or appropriate for a particular situation, such as regulations, tools, or methods.

Strokes14Frequency#7660DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In the context of Chinese business culture, understanding whether a product or service is 适用 (shìyòng) for the market is crucial, as it influences purchasing decisions and customer satisfaction.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shoe that fits perfectly; it is '适用' (shìyòng) for your foot. The character 适 combines the radical for 'to adapt' with 'to apply', while 用 means 'to use'. Visualize the shoe adapting to your foot's shape for a perfect application.

Meanings of 适用

shìyòng(shi4yong4)
1to be applicable
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 适用

适用Simplified
適用Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 适用

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Podcast: 适用

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AI Study Notes for 适用

Quick Contrast

合适 (héshì) - use 合适 when emphasizing suitability in terms of comfort or fit, while 适用 focuses on applicability in contexts like rules or tools.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of using 适用 mainly in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional language. A common mistake is to confuse it with synonyms like 适合 (shìhé), which means 'to be suitable' but has a different nuance. Remember that 适用 focuses on applicability rather than general suitability.

HSK Study Tips

While 适用 is not currently listed in HSK vocabulary, it is relevant for HSK 5 learners who are expanding their vocabulary related to practical applications. Focus on context-based usage and how it pairs with verbs like '使用' (shǐyòng) meaning 'to use'.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 适用 with 适合, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个方法不适合' (This method is not applicable) instead of '这个方法不适用' (This method is not suitable for application) is incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 适用

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Component Characters

适kuòto fit
9 strokes辶
View full entry
用yòngto use
HSK 35 strokes用
View full entry

How to say to be applicable in Chinese

“to be applicable” in Chinese is适用shìyòng

The word 适用 (shìyòng) means 'to be applicable' or 'to be suitable for use'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is relevant or appropriate for a particular situation, such as regulations, tools, or methods.

When to use 适用

Be mindful of using 适用 mainly in formal contexts, such as in academic or professional language. A common mistake is to confuse it with synonyms like 适合 (shìhé), which means 'to be suitable' but has a different nuance. Remember that 适用 focuses on applicability rather than general suitability.

适用 or something close to it

合适 (héshì) - use 合适 when emphasizing suitability in terms of comfort or fit, while 适用 focuses on applicability in contexts like rules or tools.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 适用 with 适合, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这个方法不适合' (This method is not applicable) instead of '这个方法不适用' (This method is not suitable for application) is incorrect.

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适
用

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Frequently Asked Questions about 适用

It's best to use 适用 in more formal or professional contexts, as it may sound out of place in casual conversations.

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