兼用

• Reading: けんよう
• Romaji: kenyou
• Kanji breakdown: 兼 (ken) — combine, concurrently; 用 (you) — use, purpose
• Pronunciation: /ke.ɴ.jo.ɯ/

Meaning

Multi-use; dual-purpose; combination. Using one thing for two or more functions.

A noun, suru-verb, and no-adjective describing something that serves multiple purposes simultaneously. Used for products (兼用モデル — dual-purpose model), spaces (会議室と休憩室を兼用する — use a room as both a meeting room and a break room), and roles. Common in product descriptions and everyday life. Often seen in compound forms like 男女兼用 (unisex) and 晴雨兼用 (for sun and rain).

Examples

1. この傘は晴雨兼用なので一年中使える。 This umbrella works in both sun and rain, so you can use it year-round.
2. 書斎と寝室を兼用している部屋が狭くなってきた。 The room I use as both a study and a bedroom is getting cramped.
3. 男女兼用のトイレが増えてきた。 Gender-neutral restrooms are becoming more common.

Usage Guide

Context: products, daily life, home, shopping

Tone: practical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 兼 (ken, to combine/to serve concurrently) + 用 (you, use/purpose). Literally 'combined use,' reflecting the practical concept of one item fulfilling multiple roles.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal