私用

• Reading: しよう
• Romaji: shiyou
• Kanji breakdown: 私 (shi/watashi) — private, personal; 用 (you) — use, business
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.joː/

Meaning

Personal use; private business. Matters related to one's own affairs rather than work or public duties.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb and a no-adjective. Used in formal and work contexts to distinguish personal matters from official duties: 私用で休む (to take time off for personal reasons), 私用電話 (personal phone call). The opposite is 公用 (kouyou, official or public use). Not to be confused with 使用 (shiyou, to use).

Examples

1. 明日は私用のためお休みをいただきます。 I will be taking tomorrow off for personal reasons.
2. 会社の備品を私用で使わないでください。 Please do not use company supplies for personal use.
3. 私用の電話は休憩時間にお願いします。 Please make personal phone calls during break time.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, office, formal notices

Tone: professional

Origin & History

Compound of 私 (shi, private/personal) and 用 (you, use/business). Together, 'private use or business' — clearly distinguishing personal affairs from official ones.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal