Japanese word

用いる

Pronunciation

Romajimochiiru

Meaning

  • verbuse

Example

この道具を用います。ko no dō gu o mochi i ma su

I use this tool.

Illustration for 用いる (use)

More examples

絵をかくとき、この筆を用います。e o ka ku to ki ko no fude o mochi i ma su

I use this brush when I draw pictures.

料理には新鮮な材料を用います。ryō ri ni wa shin sen na zai ryō o mochi i ma su

I use fresh ingredients in cooking.

Core concept

Means employing an available thing or method to achieve a chosen purpose, especially in careful, formal, or written language.

Common phrases

  • 材料を用いるzai ryō o mochi i ru

    use ingredients

  • 道具を用いるdō gu o mochi i ru

    use a tool

Similar words

使うtsukau: To employ a thing or method for a particular purpose in ordinary speech.
利用するriyōsuru: To make use of a service, facility, or opportunity for a purpose.

Definition in Japanese

物や手段を役立てるために使う。mono ya shu dan o yaku da te ru ta me ni tsuka u

Word origin

The Japanese verb 用いる (mochiiru, "to use") contains 用 (mochi, "use") and is linked to the older form 用ゐる (mochiwiru), whose spelling reflects an earlier ゐ (wi).

Usage tips

  • In instructions and explanations, 用いる (mochiiru) often describes using a tool or method, while casual speech commonly uses 使う (tsukau).

Related words

  • 用い方mochiikataway of usingnoun

Word lists with this word