Japanese word

使う

Pronunciation

Romajitsukau

Meaning

  • verbuse

Example

毎日スマホを使います。mai nichi su ma ho o tsuka i ma su

I use a smartphone every day.

Illustration for 使う (use)

More examples

えんぴつを使います。e n pi tsu o tsuka i ma su

I use a pencil.

分からない言葉を調べるときは、辞書を使います。wa ka ra na i koto ba o shira be ru to ki wa ji sho o tsuka i ma su

When I look up words I do not know, I use a dictionary.

Core concept

Describes making something serve a particular purpose by operating or applying it.

Common phrases

  • お金を使うo kane o tsuka u

    spend money

  • 時間を使うji kan o tsuka u

    spend time

  • 電話を使うden wa o tsuka u

    use a phone

  • 道具を使うdō gu o tsuka u

    use a tool

  • 頭を使うatama o tsuka u

    use one's head

Similar words

利用するriyōsuru: To make practical use of a service, resource, or opportunity.

Definition in Japanese

必要な物や機能を目的に応じて利用する。hitsu yō na mono ya ki nō o moku teki ni ō ji te ri yō su ru

Word origin

使う (tsukau) is a native Japanese verb whose older form is つかふ (tsukafu); the origin beyond this recorded form is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, これを使ってもいい (kore o tsukatte mo ii) means "May I use this?" and provides a common way to ask permission.

Related words

Word lists with this word