使 – Kanji Meaning, Reading, and Common Words

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What does 使 mean in Japanese?

使 means to use in Japanese. It is the kanji in 使う (tsukau, to use), one of the most practical verbs in the language, and in 使い方 (tsukaikata, how to use something), the word you will reach for whenever you need instructions.

使 has two main readings. Read it as つかう (tsukau) in the verb 使う, meaning ‘to use,’ and as シ (shi) in compounds such as 使用 (shiyou, use) and 大使館 (taishikan, embassy). The everyday verb 使う covers using tools, money, time, and even words.

Reading

On’yomi: シ (shi)

Kun’yomi: つか-う (tsuka-u)

Basic Information

Kanji 使
Meaning use, employ
Stroke Count 8
JLPT Level N4

How to Understand This Kanji

使 centers on the idea of putting something to use: tools, money, time, and words can all be the object of 使う. The formal reading シ appears in 使用 (use), common on signs such as 使用中 (in use). 使 also carries the sense of a person who is sent, which helps explain 大使 (ambassador) and 天使 (angel).

Common Words

  • 使う（つかう / tsukau） — to use
  • 使い方（つかいかた / tsukaikata） — how to use, usage
  • 使用（しよう / shiyou） — use (formal)
  • 使い捨て（つかいすて / tsukaisute） — disposable
  • 天使（てんし / tenshi） — angel
  • 大使館（たいしかん / taishikan） — embassy

Example Sentences

  • このアプリは毎日使っています。

    このあぷりはまいにちつかっています。 / Kono apuri wa mainichi tsukatte imasu.

    I use this app every day.

  • 新しい漢字の使い方を勉強しています。

    あたらしいかんじのつかいかたをべんきょうしています。 / Atarashii kanji no tsukaikata o benkyou shite imasu.

    I am studying how to use new kanji.

  • トイレは今使用中です。

    といれはいましようちゅうです。 / Toire wa ima shiyouchuu desu.

    The restroom is in use now.

Related Kanji

  • 手

    — 手 means hand, the body part that does the using; 手を使う (to use one’s hands) is a natural first pairing for this kanji.

  • 天

    — 天 means heaven or sky, and 天使 (angel) combines ‘heaven’ with the messenger sense of 使, a memorable example of its second meaning.

  • 大

    — 大 means big, and 大使館 (embassy) builds on 大使 (ambassador), literally a great envoy; both are practical words built with 使.

When Learners Usually See This Kanji

使い方 (how to use) is one of the most useful words for a learner: ask for the 使い方 of a word, an app, or a machine and you will be understood. 使用中 (in use) appears on restroom and meeting room doors. 使い捨て (disposable) is common on product labels. The ‘messenger’ sense survives in 大使館 (embassy), a word worth knowing when traveling.

Summary

使 means to use and appears in the everyday verb 使う and the essential learner word 使い方, along with formal and travel words such as 使用 and 大使館.