用よう

noun

business; task; errand

Refers to something one needs to do or take care of, often outside the home. Common in phrases like 用がある, 用を足す, and 用事.

• ちょっと用ようがあって、出でかけてきます。

  I have a quick errand to run, so I'll be out for a bit.

• 今日きょうは特とくに用ようはない。

  I don't have anything in particular to do today.

noun

use; purpose

Indicates what something is used for or its intended purpose. Often appears in compounds like 使い道 or 用途, but can stand alone.

• この道どう具ぐの用ようを教おしえてください。

  Please tell me the use of this tool.

• この箱はこは何なんの用ように使つかうのですか。

  What is this box used for?

noun, used as a suffix

for ... use; used for ...; made for ...

Suffix attached to nouns to indicate something is intended for a specific purpose or user. Very productive in everyday Japanese.

• これは子こ供ども用ようの椅い子すです。

  This is a chair for children.

• 非ひ常じょう用ようの食しょく料りょうを備び蓄ちくしている。

  We stockpile food for emergency use.

noun

call of nature; excretion

Euphemistic use, almost always in the set phrase 用を足す (to relieve oneself). Rarely used outside this expression.

See also: 用を足す

• ちょっと用ようを足たしてきます。

  I'm going to go to the bathroom.