(yòng) - to use, to need, using in Mandarin

yòng

Traditional: 用

HSK 2

#122 of 5,000 Core 1000

Translation

to use, to need, using

Word origin

用 (yòng) means 'to use'. The character derives from an ancient pictograph, most often taken to depict a bucket or a divination tool; the original object is not firmly settled, but the sense 'to use, apply' is long established.

Origin: pictograph (depicted object debated)
Root: 用, an ancient pictograph meaning 'to use'

Stroke order

用

Examples

。

I use a computer for work.

？

What is this used for?

。

No thanks needed.

笔bǐ。

Please use this pen to write.

。

I would like to use your computer for a moment.

用 (yòng) means to use, to need, using. It is used as a verb in everyday Mandarin speech.

Where this fits

The 1,000 most common Mandarin words

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Appears in 6 words

Multi-character compounds in the corpus that contain 用.

不用bú yòngno need to, don't have to 使用shǐ yòngto use, to employ 利用lì yòngto use, to take advantage of 没用méi yònguseless, of no use 用来yòng láiused for, used to 有用yǒu yònguseful, of use

Used in

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(7)

Grammar articles

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Mandarin · Free printables

用: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "用" (to use, to need, using): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.

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This word is part of lesson 3.