使う

• Reading: つかう
• Romaji: tsukau
• Kanji breakdown: 使 (shi/tsuka) — to use, to employ
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ka.ɯ/

Meaning

To use; to make use of; to employ. An essential verb for describing the use of tools, language, and resources.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with a う stem. Broadly used for employing tools, spending money or time, using languages, and operating devices. を marks the thing being used. Can also mean 'to handle' or 'to manage' in certain contexts.

Examples

1. この辞書を使ってもいいですか。 May I use this dictionary?
2. 日本語を使って手紙を書きました。 I wrote a letter using Japanese.
3. お金をたくさん使ってしまった。 I ended up spending a lot of money.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, school, technology

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 使 combines 亻 (person radical) and 史 (officer/clerk), originally referring to sending someone on an errand. The meaning shifted to 'employing' or 'making use of.'

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal