使う
tsukau[t͡sɨ̥ka̠ɯ̟]
To use in Japanese is 使う (tsukau). Wiktionary also lists 用いる (mochiiru) and 使用する (shiyō-suru).
Meaning: employ, apply (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 使う | tsukau | [t͡sɨ̥ka̠ɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 用いる | mochiiru | [mo̞t͡ɕiːɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 使用する | shiyō-suru |
The verb 使う (tsukau) is the most common and straightforward way to say "to use" in Japanese. You can express "to use [something]" by using the phrase ～を使う (wo tsukau).
Which one should you use?
While 使う (tsukau) is the standard term, other forms offer different nuances. 使用する (shiyō-suru) is a more formal or technical term often used in manuals, official documents or announcements. 用いる (mochiiru) is a more literary or sophisticated way to say "to employ" or "to make use of" a method, technique or resource. 利用する (riyō suru) emphasizes the act of utilizing something for a specific purpose.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tsukau
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word 使う (tsukau) is also used to describe spending money, effectively treating currency as a tool to be 'used up'.
- In very polite speech, the verb 使う (tsukau) changes to お使いになる (otsukai ni naru) to show respect to the person using the object.
- The literary verb 用いる (mochiiru) contains a hidden history of movement, as it stems from combining the idea of 'holding' something with 'leading' or 'bringing' it along.
Examples in context
- 何に使うの？What will you use it for?This sentence is useful for asking what something is used for with 使う.Tatoeba #187729 by bunbuku, translation #433514 by CK
- それいつ使うの？When do you use it?This sentence is useful for asking when someone uses something with 使う.Tatoeba #8537255 by small_snow, translation #3741657 by CK
- 使うの簡単だよ。It's simple to use.This sentence is useful for describing how easy it is to use something with 使う.Tatoeba #8950341 by bunbuku, translation #4012189 by CK
- 鉛筆を使います。I will use a pencil.
- この機会を利用して、新しいスキルを身につけましょう。Let's make use of this opportunity to acquire new skills.
- この機械を使用する方法を教えてください。Please teach me how to use this machine.
- このパソコンを使ってゲームをしたい。I want to use this computer to play games.
- 彼は最新のスマートフォンを使ってるよ。He's using the latest smartphone, you know.
- 私たちはアプリを利用して予定を共有しています。We use an app to share our schedules.
- 私はこの辞書を使って新しい単語を覚えます。I use this dictionary to learn new words.
- 毎日自転車を使って学校に通っています。I use my bicycle to go to school every day.
- 記事を書くためにインターネットを利用しました。I used the internet to write the article.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are in the kitchen together.
- 蓮 Renこの鍋を使ってもいい？Kono nabe o tsukatte mo ii?Can I use this pot?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、いいよ。使って。Un, ii yo. Tsukatte.Yeah, sure. Use it.
- 蓮 Renありがとう。今から使うね。Arigatou. Ima kara tsukau ne.Thanks. I'll use it now.
- 陽葵 Himariお願い。終わったら洗ってね。Onegai. Owattara aratte ne.Please. Wash it when you're finished.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “use” translations and entries 使う, 用いる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 用いる, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
