用 (yòng) — to use, using, with

用 (yòng)

As a verb it means to use or to employ something. As a preposition it introduces the instrument or method, similar to "with" or "using." It is one of the most common and versatile words in Mandarin.

Meanings

1. [verb] To use, to employ.
2. [prep] With, by means of, using.

Example Sentences

我用筷子吃饭。 Wǒ yòng kuàizi chīfàn. I eat with chopsticks.

你可以用我的手机。 Nǐ kěyǐ yòng wǒ de shǒujī. You can use my phone.

他用中文写了一封信。 Tā yòng Zhōngwén xiě le yī fēng xìn. He wrote a letter in Chinese.

这个方法不好用。 Zhège fāngfǎ bù hǎo yòng. This method is not practical/easy to use.

Collocations

Memory Hook

用 looks like a bucket with a handle: you pick it up and put it to work — to 用 is to put something to use.