适用

• Pinyin: shì yòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 适 = 辶 (walk) + 啇 (phonetic); 用 = pictograph of a fence or container, meaning 'to use'

Meaning

Applicable; suitable for use; to apply to. Indicates that something is appropriate or valid for a particular situation or scope.

More formal than 适合, often used in legal, regulatory, and technical contexts. Frequently appears with 于 to specify what something applies to. Common in rules, policies, and product descriptions.

Examples

1. 这条规定适用于所有员工。 This regulation applies to all employees.
2. 这个方法不适用于每一种情况。 This method is not applicable to every situation.
3. 请确认这个优惠是否适用于学生。 Please confirm whether this discount applies to students.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, business, technical

Tone: official

Do Say

• 本协议适用于中国法律。(This agreement is subject to Chinese law.)
• 这款软件适用于各种操作系统。(This software is compatible with various operating systems.)

Don't Say

• 这件衣服很适用我。(Don't use 适用 for personal suitability of clothing — use 适合 instead. 适用 is for rules, methods, and systems, not personal preferences.)

Origin & History

适 means 'suitable' and 用 means 'to use'. Together they describe something that is suitable for use or applicable in a given context.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal