使: the kanji for use and messenger
使 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means use, messenger. Below are its readings, 10 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
使 is written in 8 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
使 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 10 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
シ (shi)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 使用しよう · shiyō | use |
| 大使館たいしかん · taishikan | embassy |
| 使者ししゃ · shisha | messenger |
| 天使てんし · tenshi | angel |
| 使命しめい · shimei | mission |
| 行使こうし · kōshi | exercise (of a right) |
つかう (tsukau)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 使うつかう · tsukau | to use |
| 使い方つかいかた · tsukaikata | how to use |
| 使い捨てつかいすて · tsukaisute | disposable |
| お使いおつかい · otsukai | errand |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- このパソコンを使ってもいいですか。Kono pasokon o tsukatte mo ii desu ka.May I use this computer?
- 大使館でビザを申請しました。Taishikan de biza o shinsei shimashita.I applied for a visa at the embassy.
- 会議室は三時まで使用中です。Kaigishitsu wa sanji made shiyōchū desu.The meeting room is in use until three.
- このアプリの使い方を教えてください。Kono apuri no tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai.Please show me how to use this app.
- 使い捨てのカップはありません。Tsukaisute no kappu wa arimasen.There are no disposable cups.
- 敬語を正しく使いたいです。Keigo o tadashiku tsukaitai desu.I want to use keigo correctly.
Questions about 使
How many strokes does 使 have?
使 is written in 8 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 使?
The on readings are shi (シ). The kun readings are tsukau (つかう).
What does 使用中 mean?
使用中 (shiyōchū) means "in use" or "occupied." You will see it on restroom doors and meeting room signs. The opposite is 空き (aki, vacant).
What JLPT level is 使?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Work and money
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 使
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.