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.
彼は経験を仕事に活用している。
He puts his experience to use in his work.
To implement a plan, idea, or theory in a real situation.
To carry out or execute a plan or idea. Emphasizes action.
その計画をすぐに実行しよう。
Let's put that plan to use right away.
To invest or allocate money, time, or resources so they yield a return.
To manage or operate funds, assets, or systems for a purpose. Common in financial contexts.
余った資金を投資に運用する。
Put surplus funds to use in investments.
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.
彼女は語学力を翻訳の仕事に活用した。
She put her language skills to use as a translator.
この新技術をすぐに実用化する必要がある。
We need to put this new technology to use immediately.
実用化する means 'to put into practical use', common for technology.
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.
空き時間を有効に利用する。
Put your free time to good use.
Simple, everyday verb for 'use'. Less formal, but natural in casual contexts.
この機械の使い方がわからない。
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.
学んだことを社会に役立てたい。
I want to put what I've learned to use in society.
To put into practice, especially theories or principles. Common in learning contexts.
学んだ文法を会話で実践する。
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.
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.
To utilize effectively. Often used for resources, space, or time.
限られた予算を有効活用する方法を考える。
Think of ways to put the limited budget to effective use.