Chinese Conversation · Level 10
90 words
Chinese word
用
Pronunciation
Pinyinyòng
Meaning
- verbuse
Example
可以用这个杯子吗？ké yǐ yòng zhè ge bēi zi ma
Can I use this cup?
More examples
他用笔写字。tā yòng bǐ xiě zì
He uses a pen to write.
Core concept
Puts something or someone into action as the means for a purpose.
Common phrases
用笔yòng bǐ
use a pen
用钱yòng qián
use money
用水yòng shuǐ
use water
Similar words
拿ná: Taking or holding something in the hand.
用来yòng lái: Showing that something is used for a particular purpose.
Definition in Chinese
采用某事物或方法作为手段，或使某物具有某种用途。cǎi yòng mǒu shì wù huò fāng fǎ zuò wéi shǒu duàn huò shǐ mǒu wù jù yǒu móu zhǒng yòng tú
Word origin
The character 用 (yòng, "use") is traditionally linked to an ancient picture of a practical tool or container, then extends from the useful object to the act of using it and giving it a function.
Usage tips
- When English says that an action is done "with" something, Chinese commonly puts 用 (yòng, "use") before the tool or material, so 用 belongs near the means rather than after the action.
Other meanings
- withpreposition