采用

• Pinyin: cǎi yòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 采 = 爫 (hand) + 木 (tree), depicting picking; 用 = originally a pictograph of a bucket, meaning to use

Meaning

To adopt; to use; to employ. To select and put into use a particular method, technology, or material.

Often used for choosing a specific method, technology, design, or material to implement. Slightly more formal than 用 (use) and implies deliberate selection. Common in technical, business, and formal contexts. Different from 采取 which focuses on actions and measures.

Examples

1. 这家工厂采用了最新的生产技术。 This factory has adopted the latest production technology.
2. 我们决定采用他的建议来改进产品。 We decided to adopt his suggestion to improve the product.
3. 这座大楼采用了环保材料建造。 This building was constructed using environmentally friendly materials.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, business, academic

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 这个项目采用了新的设计方案。(This project adopted a new design plan.)
• 很多学校采用了网上教学的方式。(Many schools have adopted the approach of online teaching.)

Don't Say

• 采用筷子吃饭 (Don't use 采用 for everyday tool use — say 用筷子吃饭; 采用 is for deliberately selecting a method or approach)

Origin & History

Compound of 采 (to pick/select) and 用 (to use), together meaning to select something for use.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal