用: the kanji for use, business, errand
用 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means use, business, errand. Below are its readings, 14 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
用 is written in 5 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
用 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 14 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ヨウ (you)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 用事ようじ · yōji | errand; something to do |
| 利用りよう · riyō | use |
| 使用しよう · shiyō | use |
| 費用ひよう · hiyō | cost; expenses |
| 用意ようい · yōi | preparation |
| 用紙ようし · yōshi | form; paper |
| 採用さいよう · saiyō | hiring; adoption |
| 信用しんよう · shin'yō | trust; credit |
| 専用せんよう · sen'yō | exclusive use |
| 活用かつよう · katsuyō | practical use |
| 応用おうよう · ōyō | application |
| 用件ようけん · yōken | business; purpose of a call |
| 女性用じょせいよう · joseiyō | for women |
もちいる (mochiiru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 用いるもちいる · mochiiru | to use (formal) |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- ご用件を伺ってもよろしいですか。Go-yōken o ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka.May I ask what your call is regarding?
- 今年は新卒を十人採用しました。Kotoshi wa shinsotsu o jūnin saiyō shimashita.We hired ten new graduates this year.
- この用紙に名前を書いてください。Kono yōshi ni namae o kaite kudasai.Please write your name on this form.
- 出張の費用は会社が払います。Shutchō no hiyō wa kaisha ga haraimasu.The company pays for business trip expenses.
- 図書館をよく利用します。Toshokan o yoku riyō shimasu.I use the library often.
- この駐車場は社員専用です。Kono chūshajō wa shain sen'yō desu.This parking lot is for employees only.
Questions about 用
How many strokes does 用 have?
用 is written in 5 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 用?
The on readings are you (ヨウ). The kun readings are mochiiru (もちいる).
What is the difference between 利用 and 使用?
Both mean use. 利用 (riyō) is using a service or facility to benefit from it, such as a library or a train. 使用 (shiyō) is using a thing, and it is common on signs and in manuals.
What JLPT level is 用?
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 用
- 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.