利用

• Reading: りよう
• Romaji: riyou
• Kanji breakdown: 利 (ri) — benefit, profit; 用 (you/mochi) — use, employ
• Pronunciation: /ɾi.joː/

Meaning

Use; utilization. Making practical use of something, especially services or facilities.

Functions as a noun and する verb (利用する = to use/utilize). More formal than 使う and typically used for services, facilities, and systems rather than physical objects. Common collocations include 図書館を利用する (use the library), サービスを利用する (use a service), and ご利用ありがとうございます (thank you for using our service).

Examples

1. この図書館は誰でも利用できます。 Anyone can use this library.
2. インターネットを利用して調べました。 I looked it up using the internet.
3. ご利用ありがとうございます。 Thank you for using our service.

Usage Guide

Context: services, facilities, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 利 (benefit, profit) and 用 (use, employ). Literally 'using for benefit,' emphasizing purposeful and practical use.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal