Recognize 使 in words such as 使う and 使用; connect each complete word with its reading and meaning.

The idea

Kanji can have Japanese-origin readings (kun) and readings borrowed through Chinese (on). Compare 使う (つかう) and 使用 (しよう). 使 has 8 strokes; follow the linked KanjiVG diagram for their order.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
使うつかうuse
使用しようuse; usage
使い方つかいかたhow to use; usage

Examples

  • このペンを使つかってください。Please use this pen.
  • 毎日まいにち自転車じてんしゃを使つかいます。I use a bicycle every day.
  • 使用しようの前まえに説明せつめいを読よみます。I read the instructions before use.
  • ここでは携帯電話けいたいでんわの使用しようはできません。Mobile phones cannot be used here.
  • この道具どうぐの使つかい方かたを教おしえてください。Please show me how to use this tool.
  • 使つかい方かたがもうわかりました。I understand how to use it now.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

使う (つかう) means use; 使用 (しよう) means use; usage. Learn the reading with the whole word. 使う is an everyday verb; 使用 often appears in formal instructions and signs. Compare the indicated parts of 使 and 作: 吏 and 乍.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 使う in hiragana.

    Show answer or example answer

    つかう

    使う is read つかう and means use. Remember the reading of the whole word.

  2. Write the reading of 使用 in hiragana.

    Show answer or example answer

    しよう

    使用 is read しよう and means use; usage. Remember the reading of the whole word.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: ＿い方（つかいかた）.

    Show answer or example answer

    使

    使 completes 使い方, read つかいかた; the completed word means how to use; usage.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 使 from memory, and read 使う and 使用 aloud. Check their readings and meanings.