借用

• Pinyin: jiè yòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 借 = 亻+ 昔 — to borrow; 用 = pictograph of a bucket, to use

Meaning

To borrow; to use temporarily. To make use of something belonging to another.

Often used for borrowing items, concepts, or even phrases from others. More formal than simple 借, and implies temporary use with the intention of returning. Can also mean adopting concepts or terminology from other fields.

Examples

1. 我能借用一下你的电脑吗？我的突然死机了。 Can I borrow your computer for a moment? Mine just crashed.
2. 这位作家借用了许多民间故事的元素来构建他的小说世界。 This author borrowed many elements from folk tales to construct the world of his novel.
3. 经济学借用了很多物理学的概念和方法。 Economics borrows many concepts and methods from physics.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, academic, professional

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 借用一下洗手间可以吗？(May I use the restroom?)
• 这个概念是从心理学借用的。(This concept is borrowed from psychology.)

Don't Say

• 对钱说'借用' (Don't say 借用 for money — use 借 instead; 借用 implies returning the same item, not repaying an equivalent amount)

Origin & History

Composed of 借 (to borrow) + 用 (to use). Together they mean to borrow for use.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal