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Kotomora

使

use, send on a mission, order, messenger, envoy, ambassador, cause

JLPTN4StatusJōyō · grade 3FrequencyTop 500Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • シ

Kun'yomi

  • つか.う
  • つか.い
  • -つか.い
  • -づか.い

Meaning

使 centers on employing a person or thing to accomplish a purpose: using, ordering, or sending someone as a messenger or envoy. The 'cause' sense is a natural extension of making something happen through directed action.

Most common words using 使

24 of 331
  • 使うつかう
    N5

    to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of; to put to use

  • 使用しよう
    N4

    use; application; employment; utilization; utilisation

  • 使いつかい
    N2

    errand; mission; going on an errand

  • 天使てんし

    angel

  • 使い方つかいかた
    N5

    way of using (something); way to use; how to use; usage; use

  • 大使館たいしかん
    N5

    embassy

  • 行使こうし
    N1

    use; exercise (of one's right, authority, power, etc.)

  • 大使たいし
    N3

    ambassador

  • 使命しめい
    N1

    mission; errand

  • 駆使くし
    N1

    using freely; making full use of; having a good command of

  • 使い捨てつかいすて
    N1

    throwaway; disposable; single-use

  • 使い分けつかいわけ

    proper use; using (different things) for different purposes

  • 使い道つかいみち
    N2

    purpose; utility; objective

  • 使徒しと

    apostle; disciple

  • 使者ししゃ

    messenger; envoy; emissary

  • 使用人しようにん
    N1

    employee; servant

  • 酷使こくし

    exploitation; overuse; abuse

  • 労使ろうし

    labour and management; labor and management

  • 特使とくし

    special envoy

  • 使途しと

    purpose for which money is spent; the way money is spent; how goods are used

  • 使節しせつ
    N1

    envoy; ambassador; delegate; emissary; mission

  • 公使こうし
    N1

    envoy; diplomat below the rank of ambassador (e.g. deputy chief of mission, charge d'affaires); minister (of legation)

  • 遣唐使けんとうし

    envoy to Tang China

  • 使用済みしようずみ
    N2

    used (ticket, stamp, etc.); spent (fuel, battery, etc.)

Explore all words using 使 →

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Etymology

使 combines 亻 (person) with 吏 (official), suggesting a person acting in an official capacity—using authority, giving orders, or being sent on a mission.

Meaning mnemonic

A person 亻 beside an official 吏: picture an official using a messenger to send orders. The messenger is employed to carry out the mission.

Reading mnemonic

For シ, imagine the official handing a sheet of orders to the messenger: sheet -> シ, and the person uses it to send the envoy.