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用途 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
用途yòngtúuseHSK 5, n, 15 strokes, rank #9442, Hard
用途yòngtúapplicationHSK 5, n, 15 strokes, rank #9442, Hard
yòngtú(yong4tu2)yong tu T4
  1. 1use
  2. 2application
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March 24, 2026

用途yòngtú(yong4tu2)

用途 (yòngtú) refers to the specific use or application of something. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussing the purpose of an object or the functions of a product, highlighting how it can be utilized effectively.

Strokes15Frequency#9442DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of practical application is highly valued, particularly in contexts such as education and technology. This emphasis on practical use can be seen in how products are marketed, often highlighting their用途 (yòngtú) to attract consumers.

Memory tip

Think of 用 (yòng) as 'to use' and 图 (tú) as 'to map out' or 'to picture'. Imagine you are mapping out how to use a tool, which will help you remember that用途 means 'use' or 'application'.

Meanings of 用途

yòngtú(yong4tu2)
1use
2application
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 用途

用途Simplified
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9442Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 用途

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Podcast: 用途

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AI study notes for 用途

Quick Contrast

功能 (gōngnéng) — use 用途 when emphasizing the specific purpose or application, while 功能 focuses more on the features or functions of something.

Usage Notes

Be careful to use 用途 in contexts where you are discussing the practical aspects of something rather than its intrinsic qualities. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic discussions. Common collocations include '用途广泛' (yòngtú guǎngfàn - widely used) and '用途说明' (yòngtú shuōmíng - application instructions).

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 5, 学习者 (xuéxí zhě - learners) should focus on recognizing how 用途 relates to other words about function and purpose, such as 使用 (shǐyòng - to use) and 目的 (mùdì - goal). Understanding these connections can deepen comprehension of practical language applications.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 用途 with 目的 (mùdì - purpose), which refers to the goal rather than the application. For example, saying '这个工具的目的是什么?' (What is the purpose of this tool?) is incorrect when you mean to ask about its use.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 用途

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Component characters

用yòngto use
HSK 35 strokes用
View full entry
途túway
10 strokes辶
View full entry

How to say use in Chinese

“use” in Chinese is用途yòngtú

用途 (yòngtú) refers to the specific use or application of something. It is commonly used in contexts such as discussing the purpose of an object or the functions of a product, highlighting how it can be utilized effectively.

When to use 用途

Be careful to use 用途 in contexts where you are discussing the practical aspects of something rather than its intrinsic qualities. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as reports or academic discussions. Common collocations include '用途广泛' (yòngtú guǎngfàn - widely used) and '用途说明' (yòngtú shuōmíng - application instructions).

用途 or something close to it

功能 (gōngnéng) — use 用途 when emphasizing the specific purpose or application, while 功能 focuses more on the features or functions of something.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 用途 with 目的 (mùdì - purpose), which refers to the goal rather than the application. For example, saying '这个工具的目的是什么?' (What is the purpose of this tool?) is incorrect when you mean to ask about its use.

Write 用途

用
途

Practice writing 用途 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 用途

用途 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

鲸须既韧又轻,而且强度和弹性大,这些特点使其____广泛。

The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.

Example sentences for 用途 (18)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
鲸须既韧又轻,而且强度和弹性大,这些特点使其用途广泛。

jīng xū jì rèn yòu qīng, érqiě qiángdù hé tánxìng dà, zhèxiē tèdiǎn shǐ qí yòngtú guǎngfàn。

The toughness, lightness, strength, and elasticity of whalebone gave it a wide variety of uses.
2
化学浆料的其它性质可能扩大它们的用途, 使织物的可染性得到提高.

huàxué jiāng liào de qí tā xìngzhì kěnéng kuòdà tāmen de yòngtú, shǐ zhī wù de kě rǎn xìng dédào tígāo.

Other properties could be built into the sizing chemicals to increase their usefulness, dyeablity.
3
这种药材的用途很广,可以治疗多种疾病。

Zhè zhǒng yàocái de yòngtú hěn guǎng, kěyǐ zhìliáo duō zhǒng jíbìng.

The uses of this medicinal herb are extensive; it can treat various diseases.
4
智能手机的用途不仅仅是打电话和发短信。

Zhìnéng shǒujī de yòngtú bù jǐnjǐn shì dǎ diànhuà hé fā duǎnxìn.

The uses of a smartphone are not limited to making calls and sending messages.
5
这种材料的用途取决于它的强度和柔韧性。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào de yòngtú qǔjué yú tā de qiángdù hé róurèn xìng.

The use of this material depends on its strength and flexibility.
6
随着科技的发展,很多旧物品有了新的用途。

Suízhe kējì de fāzhǎn, hěn duō jiù wùpǐn yǒule xīn de yòngtú.

With the development of technology, many old items have found new uses.
7
这种新型塑料的用途包括制造环保包装和汽车零件。

Zhè zhǒng xīnxíng sùliào de yòngtú bāokuò zhìzào huánbǎo bāozhuāng hé qìchē língjiàn.

The uses of this new type of plastic include making eco-friendly packaging and car parts.
8
这种软件的用途非常多,从设计到数据分析都能用到。

Zhè zhǒng ruǎnjiàn de yòngtú fēicháng duō, cóng shèjì dào shùjù fēnxī dōu néng yòng dào.

This software has many uses, from design to data analysis.
9
这种植物的用途在于它可以净化空气和美化环境。

Zhè zhǒng zhíwù de yòngtú zàiyú tā kěyǐ jìnghuà kōngqì hé měihuà huánjìng.

The use of this plant lies in its ability to purify the air and beautify the environment.
10
科学家们正在研究这种材料的新用途,以便应用于医疗领域。

Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū zhè zhǒng cáiliào de xīn yòngtú, yǐbiàn yìngyòng yú yīliáo lǐngyù.

Scientists are researching new uses for this material to apply it in the medical field.
11
这种药材的用途很广,可以治疗多种疾病。

Zhè zhǒng yàocái de yòngtú hěn guǎng, kěyǐ zhìliáo duō zhǒng jíbìng.

The uses of this medicinal herb are extensive; it can treat various diseases.
12
智能手机的用途不仅仅是打电话和发短信。

Zhìnéng shǒujī de yòngtú bù jǐnjǐn shì dǎ diànhuà hé fā duǎnxìn.

The uses of a smartphone are not limited to making calls and sending messages.
13
这种材料的用途取决于它的强度和柔韧性。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào de yòngtú qǔjué yú tā de qiángdù hé róurèn xìng.

The use of this material depends on its strength and flexibility.
14
随着科技的发展,很多旧物品有了新的用途。

Suízhe kējì de fāzhǎn, hěn duō jiù wùpǐn yǒule xīn de yòngtú.

With the development of technology, many old items have found new uses.
15
这种新型塑料的用途包括制造环保包装和汽车零件。

Zhè zhǒng xīnxíng sùliào de yòngtú bāokuò zhìzào huánbǎo bāozhuāng hé qìchē língjiàn.

The uses of this new type of plastic include making eco-friendly packaging and car parts.
16
这种软件的用途非常多,从设计到数据分析都能用到。

Zhè zhǒng ruǎnjiàn de yòngtú fēicháng duō, cóng shèjì dào shùjù fēnxī dōu néng yòng dào.

This software has many uses, from design to data analysis.
17
这种植物的用途在于它可以净化空气和美化环境。

Zhè zhǒng zhíwù de yòngtú zàiyú tā kěyǐ jìnghuà kōngqì hé měihuà huánjìng.

The use of this plant lies in its ability to purify the air and beautify the environment.
18
科学家们正在研究这种材料的新用途,以便应用于医疗领域。

Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū zhè zhǒng cáiliào de xīn yòngtú, yǐbiàn yìngyòng yú yīliáo lǐngyù.

Scientists are researching new uses for this material to apply it in the medical field.

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Frequently asked questions about 用途

You can say '这个工具的用途是什么?' (What is the use of this tool?).

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