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.
私は毎日パソコンを使います。
I use a computer every day.
この言葉は日常会話でよく使われます。
This word is often used in everyday conversation.
塩を少し使ってください。
Please use a little salt.
A more formal, written equivalent of 使う. Common in manuals, official documents, and technical contexts.
この製品は屋内でのみ使用してください。
Please use this product indoors only.
新しいシステムを使用することで効率が上がった。
Efficiency improved by using the new system.
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.
図書館を利用して調べ物をした。
I used the library to do some research.
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.
経験を仕事に活用したい。
I want to put my experience to use in my job.
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.
彼は人を利用することしか考えていない。
He only thinks about using people.
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.
私は日本の生活に慣れています。
I am used to life in Japan.
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.
子供の頃、よくこの公園で遊んだものだ。
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.
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.
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.
This research used the latest technology.
You can get a discount by using this coupon.
多くの人が電車を利用しています。
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.
このアプリ、使ったことある？
Have you ever used this app?
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.
失敗の経験を次の挑戦に生かそう。
Let's put the experience of failure to use in our next challenge.
彼女は語学力を仕事に生かしている。
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.
彼は新しいソフトを使いこなしている。
He has mastered the use of the new software.
今月はもうお金をたくさん使ってしまった。
I've already spent a lot of money this month.
時間を有効に使いなさい。
Use your time effectively.
To consume (goods, energy, fuel, etc.). More formal and often used in economic or environmental contexts.
この車はガソリンをあまり消費しない。
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.
彼はその研究に一生を費やした。
He spent his whole life on that research.
日本語を使って話してください。
Please speak using Japanese.
この表現はあまり使わないほうがいい。
It's better not to use this expression much.
Specifically 'to speak' a language. Often used with language names.
彼は英語を話します。
He speaks English.
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.
彼は部下をうまく使っている。
He uses his subordinates well.
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.
私は人前で話すのに慣れていません。
I'm not used to speaking in public.
昔は毎日ジョギングをしていた。
I used to jog every day.
以前はタバコを吸っていた。
I used to smoke.
寒さに慣れた。
I got used to the cold.
以前はタバコを吸っていた。
I used to smoke.
寒さに慣れた。
I got used to the cold.