Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 使える | tsukaeru | [t͡sɨka̠e̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 有用な | yūyō na | |
| 便利な | benri na |
Depending on the context, Japanese uses different words to express that something is useful, whether it refers to functional usability, convenience or academic value.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. 使える focuses on the functional ability to use something. In contrast, 便利な is often used for things that are 'convenient' or save time/effort. Finally, 有用な is a more formal and academic term used to describe the utility or value of something, such as a theory or a resource.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
使える is commonly used in colloquial speech to mean something is 'handy' or 'good to have'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 便利な and 有用な are na-adjectives, which means they require な when they precede a noun (for example, 便利な道具 for a useful tool or 有用な情報 for useful information).
How do you pronounce it?
tsukaeru
Did you know?
- The character 便 in 便利な originally referred to 'excrement' or 'ease of discharge' before evolving to mean 'convenience' and 'communication'.
- Calling a person 便利な can sometimes be perceived as slightly insulting, implying they are merely a convenient tool rather than a respected individual.
- A common Japanese phrase 使い勝手がいい describes a 'useful' item specifically by praising the 'feel' or 'handle' of how it is used.
Examples in context
- これは大変便利なものです。This is very useful.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 便利な.Tatoeba #218215 by bunbuku, translation #55527 by AlanF_US
- 私の辞書、すごく使えるんだ。My dictionary is very useful.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 使える.Tatoeba #9464154 by bunbuku, translation #251056 by CK
- エスペラントは便利な言語よ。Esperanto is a useful language.Tatoeba #9749028 by small_snow, translation #5195187 by RobinvanderVliet
- 私たちはこの新しいソフトウェアが非常に 便利 だと思います。We believe this new software is very useful.
- このビジネス書は経験者にとって非常に 役立つ 情報を提供しています。This business book provides highly useful information for experienced professionals.
- この調査は生徒たちに 有用 なデータを提供しています。This survey provides students with useful data.
- このアプリは超 便利 だから、使ってみて！This app is super useful, so give it a try!
- この新しいデジタルカメラは 使いやすくて 、写真を撮るのに最適です。This new digital camera is easy to use and perfect for taking photos.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Himari are talking about a new app.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのアプリ、かなり使えるね。Kono apuri, kanari tsukaeru ne.This app is actually quite useful, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、本当に便利だと思うよ。Un, hontou ni benri da to omou yo.Yeah, I think it's really convenient.
- 大翔 Hiroto仕事でも使えるかな？Shigoto demo tsukaeru kana?I wonder if it's useful for work too?
- 陽葵 Himariきっと役に立つと思うよ、大翔。Kitto yaku ni tatsu to omou yo, Hiroto.I'm sure it will be helpful, Hiroto.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “useful” translations and entries 使える, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
