English–Chinese

“be used for” in Chinese

Chinese

Pronunciation

Pinyinyòng lái

Example

这张纸用来记笔记。zhè zhāng zhǐ yòng lái jì bǐ jì

This paper is used for taking notes.

Illustration for 用来 (be used for)

How to say “be used for” in Chinese

“Be used for” in Chinese is 用来 (yòng lái).

A marker that points from a thing or method toward the action it serves.

Full entry for 用来: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 用来

这台电脑用来做设计。zhè tái diàn nǎo yòng lái zuò shè jì

This computer is used for design.

Tips for using 用来

  • 用来 (yònglái, "be used for") describes a thing's function, while 为了 (wèile, "in order to") introduces a person's purpose, so the two are not interchangeable.

“be used for” in other languages