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March 24, 2026
用yòng(yong4)
The character 用 (yòng) primarily means 'to use' or 'to employ.' It can refer to the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose, such as tools or resources. In various contexts, it can also imply necessity or expense, indicating the cost associated with usage.
Strokes5Radical用Frequency#81DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'using' extends beyond physical items to include relationships and social interactions. The phrase '用心' (yòng xīn), meaning 'to use one's heart,' emphasizes sincerity in effort and intention.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person using a tool (用) with both hands. The character resembles a hand (the top part) holding something, emphasizing the act of using. Think of 'yòng' as 'yawn' while using hands to stretch—you're using your body to express tiredness.
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AI Study Notes for 用
Quick Contrast
使用 (shǐyòng) vs. 运用 (yùnyòng) — choose 用 (yòng) for general usage, while 使用 (shǐyòng) emphasizes the action of using something, and 运用 (yùnyòng) implies a more skillful or effective application.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is confusing 用 (yòng) with 使 (shǐ), which also means 'to use' but has a more formal connotation. This word is generally informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. Be mindful of using the correct measure word when discussing expenses.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 用 connects with other common verbs and action words. Focus on its versatility in different sentences and practice using it in contexts related to daily activities or tasks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 用 (yòng) with 用于 (yòng yú), which means 'to be used for.' For example, saying '我用于这个' (wǒ yòng yú zhège) is incorrect when you mean 'I use this.' Instead, just say '我用这个' (wǒ yòng zhège).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 用
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Originally a pictograph of a bucket with a handle on the right side. The current meaning "use" is a phonetic loan.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
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Decomposition of 用
IDS Structure⿵冂？
用Full Character
=
冂jiong1
enclosing
Exercise 1 of 1
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 用?
How to say to use in Chinese
“to use” in Chinese is用yòng
The character 用 (yòng) primarily means 'to use' or 'to employ.' It can refer to the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose, such as tools or resources. In various contexts, it can also imply necessity or expense, indicating the cost associated with usage.
When to use 用
A common mistake is confusing 用 (yòng) with 使 (shǐ), which also means 'to use' but has a more formal connotation. This word is generally informal and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. Be mindful of using the correct measure word when discussing expenses.
用 or something close to it
使用 (shǐyòng) vs. 运用 (yùnyòng) — choose 用 (yòng) for general usage, while 使用 (shǐyòng) emphasizes the action of using something, and 运用 (yùnyòng) implies a more skillful or effective application.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 用 (yòng) with 用于 (yòng yú), which means 'to be used for.' For example, saying '我用于这个' (wǒ yòng yú zhège) is incorrect when you mean 'I use this.' Instead, just say '我用这个' (wǒ yòng zhège).
Write 用
用
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Grammar Patterns of 用
用 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 9 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
