利用する

• Reading: りようする
• Romaji: riyou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 利 (ri) — benefit, advantage; 用 (you/mochi) — use, business
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.joː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To use; to utilise; to make use of. Implies purposeful or effective use of a resource or service.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb formed from the noun 利用 (utilisation). More formal than 使う and implies making strategic or efficient use of something. Very common in signs, announcements, and service-related contexts such as libraries, transport, and online services.

Examples

1. この図書館は誰でも利用できます。 Anyone can use this library.
2. 電車を利用して通勤しています。 I commute by using the train.
3. インターネットを利用して情報を調べた。 I looked up information using the internet.

Usage Guide

Context: services, transportation, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 利 (ri) meaning benefit or advantage and 用 (you/mochi) meaning use. Together they mean using something for benefit — making advantageous use of a resource.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal