Use '使用中' to indicate that a physical space or object is currently occupied and unavailable.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates a facility or device is currently occupied or active.
- Commonly found on signs for restrooms and meeting rooms.
- Formed by combining 'use' with the suffix for 'in progress'.
概述：
“使用中”是一个非常实用的状态形容词，由动词“使用”（to use）和后缀“中”（in the process of）组成。它主要用于描述公共设施、电子设备或特定空间正处于被占用的状态。在日常生活中，这是一个极高频的词汇，尤其是在需要排队或确认资源可用性时。
用法模式：
这个词最常见的用法是作为谓语或状态标签。例如，“洗手间使用中”或“会议室使用中”。它通常直接放在名词后面，或者出现在电子设备的显示屏上。虽然在语法上它可以看作是一个形容词短语，但在实际应用中，它更像是一个静态的状态指示器。
常见语境：
最典型的语境是公共场所。在办公室，你会看到会议室门口的电子屏显示“使用中”；在飞机或火车的厕所门上，红色的标识通常对应“使用中”。此外，在计算机科学中，如果一个文件正在被另一个程序读取，系统也会提示“文件使用中”。
同类词比较：
与“占用中”相比，“使用中”更偏向于描述功能性的运作，而“占用中”则更侧重于空间被填满。与“忙碌”相比，“忙碌”通常形容人（He is busy），而“使用中”则形容物或设施（The line is busy/in use）。在CEFR A2阶段，掌握这个词能帮助学习者看懂大部分公共场所的指示牌。
Examples
洗手间使用中，请稍候。
everydayThe restroom is in use, please wait a moment.
该会议室目前显示为使用中。
formalThis meeting room is currently shown as occupied.
我的账号显示正在使用中，是不是被盗了？
informalMy account shows as currently in use; has it been hacked?
当设备处于使用中状态时，请勿断开电源。
academicDo not disconnect the power while the device is in use.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
设备使用中
Device in use
线路使用中
Line busy/in use
Often Confused With
占用 is more formal and often implies a space is taken, whereas 使用中 implies the act of using something.
忙碌 is used for people or complex systems, never for a simple object like a toilet or a chair.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral in register and highly versatile. In written form, it appears on signs and UI buttons. In spoken form, it's used to inform others that a resource is unavailable.
Common Mistakes
English speakers often try to use 'busy' (忙) for objects, saying 'the room is busy,' which is incorrect in Chinese; '使用中' is the correct term for facilities.
Tips
Look for color-coded indicators
In many public places, '使用中' is often accompanied by a red light or red text, while '空闲' is green.
Avoid using it for human activity
Never say '我使用中' to mean you are busy; instead, say '我在忙' or '我有事'.
Standardized signage in China
You will see this exact phrase in almost every Chinese airport, mall, and office building.
Word Origin
From '使用' (to use/employ) and '中' (a suffix derived from Classical Chinese meaning 'inside' or 'during').
Cultural Context
In China, digital privacy and shared resource management (like shared bikes or power banks) make '使用中' a constant presence on smartphone apps.
Memory Tip
Think of the '中' as a target with an arrow in the middle, meaning the action is 'right in the middle' of happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不可以。形容人很忙应该用“忙”或“忙碌中”，而“使用中”只用于物品、设备或空间。
这意味着里面有人，你需要排队等候，直到标志变为“无人”或“空闲”。
“正在使用”通常是一个动词短语，强调动作；而“使用中”更像是一个标签，强调当前的状态。
它是一个中性词，既可以用于正式的办公告示，也可以用于日常对话，非常通用。
Test Yourself
对不起，这台电脑显示“___”，请换一台使用。
电脑被占用时，最合适的表达是“使用中”。
哪种情况会看到这个词？
洗手间有人占用是“使用中”最典型的应用场景。
1. 会议室 2. 正在 3. 使用中 4. 3号
正确顺序是：3号会议室正在使用中。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '使用中' to indicate that a physical space or object is currently occupied and unavailable.
- Indicates a facility or device is currently occupied or active.
- Commonly found on signs for restrooms and meeting rooms.
- Formed by combining 'use' with the suffix for 'in progress'.
Look for color-coded indicators
In many public places, '使用中' is often accompanied by a red light or red text, while '空闲' is green.
Avoid using it for human activity
Never say '我使用中' to mean you are busy; instead, say '我在忙' or '我有事'.
Standardized signage in China
You will see this exact phrase in almost every Chinese airport, mall, and office building.
Examples
4 of 4洗手间使用中，请稍候。
The restroom is in use, please wait a moment.
该会议室目前显示为使用中。
This meeting room is currently shown as occupied.
我的账号显示正在使用中，是不是被盗了？
My account shows as currently in use; has it been hacked?
当设备处于使用中状态时，请勿断开电源。
Do not disconnect the power while the device is in use.
