Translation guide
How to express 'use' in Japanese depends on what is being used, how it is used, and the level of formality. The most common verbs are 使う (general use) and 利用する (utilize services/facilities). For tools, methods, or languages, 使う is the default. For making good use of something, 活用する or 生かす are common. In many cases, the object particle を marks what is used, and the particle で marks the means or method.
To use something for a purpose, such as a tool, object, method, or language.
The most common and versatile verb for 'use'. It covers tools, objects, methods, words, languages, and more. Transitive verb; the thing used takes を.
I use a computer every day.
A more formal, written equivalent of 使う. Common in manuals, official documents, and technical contexts.
Please use this product indoors only.
A literary or formal verb for 'use', often implying deliberate selection or application of a method, material, or means. Less common in daily speech.
To make use of a service, facility, system, or opportunity, often with a nuance of taking advantage of something available.
Means 'to utilize' or 'make use of' services, facilities, public transport, websites, etc. Implies benefiting from something that exists for that purpose.
To put something to good use, make the most of it, or apply it effectively.
To make effective use of something, especially skills, knowledge, data, or resources. Implies active, productive utilization.
To consume or expend something until it is gone or significantly reduced.
Also means 'to spend' money or time, or 'to consume' resources. Context makes the meaning clear.
To speak, write, or communicate using a particular language, word, or phrase.
The default verb for using a language or word.
To exploit or manipulate someone for one's own benefit.
When used with a person as the object, it often means 'to use' in the sense of taking advantage of someone.
To be familiar with something through repeated experience; to be in the habit of doing something.
This pattern means 'to be used to (something)'. The thing one is used to takes に.
To express a past habitual action or state that is no longer true.
Attach to the past tense plain form of a verb to express 'used to do something' with a nostalgic or reflective nuance.
使う is the general, everyday verb for 'use'. 利用する emphasizes utilizing services, facilities, or opportunities for one's benefit. 使用する is formal and often found in written instructions or technical contexts. For most daily situations, 使う is safe. Use 利用する for trains, hotels, libraries, etc. Use 使用する in manuals or official documents.
This word is often used in everyday conversation.
Please use a little salt.
Efficiency improved by using the new system.
この研究では最新の技術を用いた。
This research used the latest technology.
I used the library to do some research.
You can get a discount by using this coupon.
Many people use the train.
Also possible for services and facilities, but 利用する is more natural when emphasizing the act of availing oneself of a service. 使う is more casual.
Have you ever used this app?
I want to put my experience to use in my job.
If we make use of this data, sales will likely increase.
To make the most of something, bring out its potential, or keep it alive in use. Often used for abilities, lessons learned, or characteristics.
Let's put the experience of failure to use in our next challenge.
She is putting her language skills to use in her job.
To master the use of something, to handle skillfully. Often used for tools, software, or languages.
He has mastered the use of the new software.
I've already spent a lot of money this month.
Use your time effectively.
To consume (goods, energy, fuel, etc.). More formal and often used in economic or environmental contexts.
This car doesn't use much gasoline.
To spend or expend (time, effort, money), often with a nuance of using it up on something, sometimes wastefully. Formal/literary.
He spent his whole life on that research.
Please speak using Japanese.
It's better not to use this expression much.
Specifically 'to speak' a language. Often used with language names.
He speaks English.
He only thinks about using people.
Can also mean 'to use a person', but 利用する is more common for the negative nuance of exploitation. 使う can be neutral in contexts like employing someone.
He uses his subordinates well.
I am used to life in Japan.
He is used to getting up early.
Used when the thing one is used to is an action. Verb dictionary form + のに慣れている.
I'm not used to speaking in public.
I used to play in this park a lot when I was a child.
The past progressive form can also express a past habitual action, often without the nostalgic nuance.
I used to jog every day.
use the bus
use the equipment (formal)
The English 'used to' for past habits does not use 使う. Use 〜たものだ or 〜ていた instead. 'Be used to' for familiarity uses 慣れる, not 使う.
I used to smoke.
I got used to the cold.