Translation guide
How to express the idea of applying something practically, making use of resources, or putting skills/knowledge into action in Japanese.
To use an object, tool, skill, or resource for a practical purpose.
Commonly used for making effective use of skills, knowledge, data, or resources. Implies active, beneficial utilization.
He puts his experience to use in his work.
Let's put this data to use in marketing.
General term for using something, often for one's own benefit. Can be used for objects, services, or opportunities.
Put your free time to good use.
Simple, everyday verb for 'use'. Less formal, but natural in casual contexts.
I don't know how to put this machine to use.
To put something to good use for a specific purpose or to make it serve a useful role. Often implies contributing to a goal.
I want to put what I've learned to use in society.
To implement a plan, idea, or theory in a real situation.
To carry out or execute a plan or idea. Emphasizes action.
Let's put that plan to use right away.
To put into practice, especially theories or principles. Common in learning contexts.
Put the grammar you learned to use in conversation.
To make the most of something, to bring something to life. Often used for skills, experience, or lessons learned.
To invest or allocate money, time, or resources so they yield a return.
活用する implies actively making the most of something's potential, often skills or knowledge. 利用する is broader and can simply mean 'use' an object or service, sometimes with a nuance of taking advantage of an opportunity.
The English phrase 'put to use' does not have a single direct equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 使用に置く. Choose the verb that matches the context: 活用する for skills/data, 実行する for plans, 運用する for funds, etc.
She put her language skills to use as a translator.
We need to put this new technology to use immediately.
実用化する means 'to put into practical use', common for technology.
失敗の経験を次の仕事に生かす。
Put the experience of failure to use in the next job.
Think of ways to put the limited budget to effective use.