用いる

• Reading: もちいる
• Romaji: mochiiru
• Kanji breakdown: 用 (yō/mochi) — use, employ, business
• Pronunciation: /mo.tɕiː.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To use; to make use of; to employ. A formal alternative to 使う for using tools, methods, or resources.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. More formal and literary than 使う (tsukau). Commonly used in academic papers, official documents, and technical writing. Often appears with methods (方法を用いる), materials (素材を用いる), and techniques (技術を用いる). Carries a sense of deliberate, purposeful utilisation rather than casual use.

Examples

1. この研究では新しい分析方法を用いた。 A new analytical method was used in this study.
2. 伝統的な技術を用いて建てられた家だ。 This is a house built using traditional techniques.
3. データを用いて自分の意見を説明した。 I used data to explain my opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, technical, official documents

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From the kanji 用 (yō, use/business). Originally depicted a fence or enclosure for managing cattle — putting resources to productive use within a controlled framework.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated