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B1 noun #1,000 mais comum 12 min de leitura

~用

Top 1,000

At the A1 level, you will encounter ～用 (よう) in very simple, everyday contexts, primarily on signs and labels. You should learn it as a fixed part of common words rather than a complex grammar rule. The most important words to recognize are 子供用 (kodomo-yō - for kids) and 自分用 (jibun-yō - for myself). You might see these in a toy store or when looking at a menu. At this stage, just remember that [Noun] + 用 means 'this thing is for [Noun].' For example, if you see a small chair, it might be labeled 子供用. If you are buying a gift and want one for yourself too, you can point and say 'Jibun-yō.' It is a very helpful word for basic shopping and identifying who an object belongs to. You don't need to worry about complex particles yet; just focus on the Noun + 用 combination in stores.

At the A2 level, you start using ～用 to describe the purpose of household items and basic tools. You will learn to use the particle 'no' to connect ～用 to other nouns, such as 料理用のナイフ (ryōri-yō no naifu - a knife for cooking). You will also see it frequently in public spaces, like ticket machines (定期券用 - for commuter passes) or trash cans (ペットボトル用 - for plastic bottles). At this level, you should be able to ask if something is for a specific person or purpose, like 'これは子供用ですか？' (Is this for children?). You will also encounter it in medicine, like 外用薬 (gaiyō-yaku - medicine for external use). Understanding ～用 at A2 helps you navigate Japanese shops and public facilities more independently by reading the functional labels on products.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using ～用 in a variety of social and professional settings. You will distinguish between ～用 (functional use) and ～向け (target audience). For example, you'll understand that a computer might be 事務用 (for office use) but the software might be 初心者向け (aimed at beginners). You will also start using ～用に with verbs, such as 'プレゼント用に包んでください' (Please wrap it as a gift). This level requires understanding common business compounds like 業務用 (commercial use) and 非常用 (emergency use). You will also encounter 専用 (sen'yō - exclusive use) frequently, such as in 女性専用車両 (women-only train cars). Your ability to use ～用 correctly will make your descriptions of objects and purposes much more precise and natural-sounding in daily conversations.

At the B2 level, you will use ～用 in more technical and formal contexts. You will encounter it in news reports, manuals, and official documents. For instance, you might read about 産業用ロボット (industrial robots) or 医療用機器 (medical equipment). You should understand the nuance of how ～用 categorizes items in a professional taxonomy. At this level, you can also use it to explain complex setups, like 'これはテスト用の環境です' (This is a testing environment). You will also recognize more specialized kanji compounds involving 用, such as 飲用 (inyō - for drinking use) versus 鑑賞用 (kanshō-yō - for decorative/viewing use only). Your understanding of ～用 allows you to grasp the specific intended utility of high-level tools and legal designations in Japanese society.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced command of ～用 and can use it to discuss subtle differences in utility and designation. You will encounter it in academic papers and legal statutes, where the precise definition of 'use' is critical. For example, you might analyze the difference between 公用 (kōyō - official/public use) and 私用 (shiyō - private use) in a legal or ethical context. You will also understand historical or literary uses of the kanji 用 as a standalone noun meaning 'utility' or 'function' in philosophical discussions. At this level, you can effortlessly switch between ～用, ～向け, and ～のための depending on the exact rhetorical effect you want to achieve. You are also familiar with rare or archaic compounds that use the suffix to define specific social roles or historical tools.

At the C2 level, your mastery of ～用 is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker. You can interpret and use the suffix in the most complex bureaucratic, scientific, and literary frameworks. You understand how the concept of 'utility' (用) fits into broader Japanese thought, such as the 'Ti-Yong' (体用 - substance and function) philosophy in East Asian traditions. You can navigate the most dense technical manuals where ～用 defines strict regulatory standards for industrial components. In creative writing, you can use the suffix to create neologisms or to provide precise, clinical descriptions of a character's environment. Your grasp of the word extends to its deepest etymological roots and its most modern, specialized applications in fields like aerospace or advanced robotics.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

~用 em 30 segundos

～用 is a suffix attached to nouns to indicate purpose or intended user, like 'for kids' or 'for cooking.'
It is widely used on product labels, signs, and in professional settings to categorize items by their utility.
Grammatically, it requires the particle 'no' when modifying another noun (e.g., kodomo-yō no kutsu).
It differs from ～向け (target audience) and ～のため (benefit) by focusing strictly on functional design.

The Japanese suffix ～用 (よう - yō) is an essential building block in the Japanese language, functioning primarily to designate the specific purpose, intended user, or functional category of an object. At its core, it translates to 'for use with,' 'intended for,' or 'for the purpose of.' Unlike the English preposition 'for,' which can be used in a wide variety of contexts (benefit, duration, exchange), ～用 is strictly focused on the utility and functional destination of a noun. When you see this suffix attached to a word, it immediately tells you who should use the item or what task the item is designed to perform.

Target Audience: When attached to groups of people, it indicates who the product is designed for. Common examples include 子供用 (kodomo-yō) for children, 女性用 (josei-yō) for women, and 左利き用 (hidarikiki-yō) for left-handed individuals. This usage is ubiquitous in retail environments, from clothing stores to stationery shops.
Functional Purpose: It is frequently used to categorize tools and materials by their specific application. For instance, 料理用 (ryōri-yō) means 'for cooking use,' often seen on wine or sake bottles that are not intended for drinking but for culinary preparation. Similarly, 業務用 (gyōmu-yō) refers to 'business or commercial use,' indicating bulk sizes or heavy-duty specifications meant for restaurants or factories rather than households.

このワインは料理用ですので、飲まないでください。(Kono wain wa ryōri-yō desu node, nomanaide kudasai.)
This wine is for cooking use, so please do not drink it.

In daily life, you will encounter ～用 on almost every piece of packaging in Japan. It helps consumers navigate the complex array of products by providing a clear functional label. If you are in a pharmacy, you might see 外用 (gaiyō), which means 'for external use only,' or 服用 (fukuyō), which refers to the internal taking of medicine. The suffix is so productive that it can be attached to almost any noun to create a new descriptive category, making it a powerful tool for vocabulary expansion.

Environmental Context: The word also appears in environmental designations. 家庭用 (katei-yō) refers to home use, while 屋外用 (okugai-yō) refers to outdoor use. This is critical for safety, as using an indoor-rated appliance outdoors could be dangerous.

これは自分用に買ったお土産です。(Kore wa jibun-yō ni katta omiyage desu.)
This is a souvenir I bought for myself.

Socially, ～用 helps define boundaries. In a shared office, a fridge might have a shelf labeled スタッフ用 (sutaffu-yō), meaning 'for staff use.' In a home, towels might be designated as 来客用 (raikyaku-yō), meaning 'for guest use.' Understanding this suffix allows you to respect these social and functional boundaries in Japanese society.

Time and Occasion: It can also designate items for specific times or events. 非常用 (hijō-yō) means 'for emergency use,' found on fire extinguishers and emergency exits. 試験用 (shiken-yō) might refer to specific pencils allowed during a standardized test.

この出口は非常用です。(Kono deguchi wa hijō-yō desu.)
This exit is for emergency use.

Historically, the kanji 用 represents a fence or a tool, evolving to mean 'to use' or 'utility.' In modern Japanese, its role as a suffix is one of its most common appearances. It is different from ～向け (muke), which implies a 'target market' or 'aimed at,' whereas ～用 is more about the practical application and physical suitability of the object itself.

業務用の洗剤は強力です。(Gyōmu-yō no senzai wa kyōryoku desu.)
Detergent for commercial use is powerful.

Using ～用 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as a suffix and how it interacts with other parts of the sentence. It primarily attaches to nouns to form a compound noun that describes purpose. The most important thing to remember is that ～用 itself acts like a noun once it is attached to another word.

The Basic Structure: The formula is [Noun] + 用. For example, 事務 (jimu - office work) + 用 = 事務用 (jimu-yō - for office use). You do not need a particle between the base noun and 用. This compound can then be used at the end of a sentence with です or だ.

このパソコンは事務用です。(Kono pasokon wa jimu-yō desu.)
This computer is for office use.

When you want to use a ～用 compound to describe another noun (acting like an adjective), you must follow the rule for connecting two nouns: use the particle の (no). This is a very common pattern in shopping and technical descriptions.

Modifying Other Nouns: The formula is [Noun] + 用 + の + [Target Noun]. For example, 左利き用のはさみ (hidarikiki-yō no hasami) means 'scissors for left-handed people.' Without the の, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.

子供用のメニューはありますか？(Kodomo-yō no menyū wa arimasu ka?)
Is there a menu for children?

Another advanced usage involves the particle に (ni). When you are doing an action for a specific purpose or for a specific person's use, you use ～用 + に. This often appears with verbs like 買う (kau - to buy), 作る (tsukuru - to make), or 用意する (yōi suru - to prepare).

Action for a Purpose: The formula is [Noun] + 用 + に + [Verb]. For example, プレゼント用に包んでください (purezento-yō ni tsutsunde kudasai) means 'Please wrap it for (use as) a present.'

この椅子を来客用に準備しました。(Kono isu o raikyaku-yō ni junbi shimashita.)
I prepared this chair for guest use.

It is also worth noting that ～用 can be combined with other kanji to create more specific nuances. For example, 専用 (sen'yō) means 'exclusive use.' While 女性用 means 'for women,' 女性専用 means 'exclusively for women' (like a women-only train car). The addition of 専 (sen - exclusive) adds a layer of restriction.

このトイレは車椅子用です。(Kono toire wa kurumaisu-yō desu.)
This toilet is for wheelchair use.

Finally, in formal or technical writing, ～用 is used to define specifications. In software development, you might see 開発用 (kaihatsu-yō) for 'development use' or テスト用 (tesuto-yō) for 'testing use.' These compounds help organize resources and environments clearly.

In Japan, ～用 (よう - yō) is a word you will see more than you hear, though it is frequently spoken in retail and professional settings. It is the language of labels, signs, and instructions. If you walk into a Japanese department store (depāto), you are entering a world categorized by ～用.

In the Supermarket: Look at the seasoning aisle. You will see 天ぷら用 (tenpura-yō) flour, 刺身用 (sashimi-yō) soy sauce, and サラダ用 (sarada-yō) oil. These labels tell the customer exactly what the product was formulated for. If a piece of fish is labeled 加熱用 (kanetsu-yō), it means 'for heating use'—do not eat it raw! Conversely, 生食用 (seishoku-yō) means it is safe for raw consumption.

この魚は加熱用ですから、よく焼いてください。(Kono sakana wa kanetsu-yō desu kara, yoku yaite kudasai.)
This fish is for cooking (heating), so please grill it well.

In the workplace, ～用 is used to manage equipment. Printers might have paper trays labeled 裏紙用 (uragami-yō) for 'scrap paper use.' Shared supplies are often marked 事務用 (jimu-yō). When a colleague asks, 'Is this for the meeting?' they might say 会議用ですか？ (Kaigi-yō desu ka?). It provides a quick way to clarify the destination of an object.

Public Spaces and Transport: Train stations are full of ～用. You will see 定期券用 (teikiken-yō) slots on ticket machines for commuter passes. Elevators are often labeled 車椅子・ベビーカー優先用 (kurumaisu, bebīkā yūsen-yō), meaning 'priority use for wheelchairs and strollers.' Even the trash cans are labeled by purpose: ビン・カン用 (bin, kan-yō) for bottles and cans.

このゴミ箱はペットボトル用です。(Kono gomibako wa petto-botoru-yō desu.)
This trash can is for plastic bottles.

In digital life, Japanese apps and websites use ～用 for settings and categories. A 'for mobile' version of a site is モバイル用 (mobairu-yō). A 'for print' document is 印刷用 (insatsu-yō). When downloading software, you must choose the version Windows用 or Mac用.

トイレ用のスリッパに履き替えてください。(Toire-yō no surippa ni hakikaete kudasai.)
Please change into the slippers for bathroom use.

In the medical field, ～用 is vital. 医療用 (iryō-yō) masks are higher grade than standard ones. 消毒用 (shōdoku-yō) alcohol is for disinfecting. If you are buying contact lens solution, you need to check if it is ソフト用 (sofuto-yō) for soft lenses or ハード用 (hādo-yō) for hard lenses. Misreading these labels can lead to ruined lenses or eye irritation.

The 'Gyoumu-you' Phenomenon: There is a popular chain of stores in Japan called 'Gyomu Super' (Commercial Supermarket). While they are intended 業務用 (for business use), they are famous among regular families for selling massive quantities of food at low prices. Seeing 'Gyomu-yo' on a package usually means it's a 1kg bag of curry or a 2-liter bottle of dressing!

このマヨネーズは業務用サイズです。(Kono mayonēzu wa gyōmu-yō saizu desu.)
This mayonnaise is the commercial-use size.

While ～用 (よう - yō) is a simple suffix, English speakers often make mistakes by over-applying it or confusing it with other words that translate to 'for.' Understanding the boundaries of ～用 is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing ～用 with ～向け (muke): This is the most common error. ～用 refers to the functional design or utility of an object. ～向け refers to the target audience or market. For example, a 'book for beginners' is 初心者向けの本 (shoshinsha-muke no hon) because the book is aimed at them. However, 'scissors for children' is 子供用のハサミ (kodomo-yō no hasami) because the physical design of the scissors is made for small hands. If you say 初心者用の本, it sounds like the book is a tool that beginners 'use' in a mechanical way, which is slightly odd.

❌ 初心者用の映画 (Incorrect for 'movie for beginners')
✅ 初心者向けの映画 (Correct: The movie is aimed at beginners.)

Another common pitfall is using ～用 when you should use the particle の (no) or ため (tame). ～用 is almost exclusively for physical objects or designated spaces. You cannot use it for abstract concepts like 'for your health' or 'for the future.'

Mistake 2: Abstract 'For': If you want to say 'This is for your sake,' you must use あなたのため (anata no tame). Saying あなた用 (anata-yō) would imply that the person is a tool or a specific category of user, which sounds very strange or even robotic in a personal context. 自分用 (jibun-yō) is an exception because it's a set phrase for 'personal use.'

❌ 健康用に走ります (Incorrect for 'I run for health')
✅ 健康のために走ります (Correct: 'Tame' indicates purpose/benefit.)

Grammatically, learners often forget the の (no) when ～用 is used as a modifier. Remember: [Noun]用 + の + [Noun]. Without the の, it's like saying 'Children use bicycle' instead of 'Children's use bicycle.'

Mistake 3: Missing the Particle 'No': When describing an item, ～用 acts as a noun. Therefore, to modify another noun, the possessive/descriptive の is mandatory. 子供用自転車 (Kodomo-yō jitensha) is sometimes seen on signs as a compound, but in a full sentence, 子供用の自転車 is the standard grammar.

❌ これは私用カメラです (Incorrect)
✅ これは私用のカメラです (Correct: 'This is a camera for my use.')

Finally, avoid using ～用 with verbs directly. You cannot say 食べる用 (taberu-yō) for 'for eating.' You must use a noun. Instead of 'taberu-yō,' use 食用 (shokuyō), which uses the kanji for 'eat' in its noun form. 食用油 (shokuyō-abura) is 'edible oil' or 'oil for eating use.'

To truly master ～用 (よう - yō), you need to know the words that live in the same neighborhood. Japanese has several ways to express 'for' or 'purpose,' and choosing the right one depends on the nuance you want to convey.

～向け (muke) vs. ～用 (yō): ～向け means 'aimed at' or 'intended for a specific market.' It is used for content, products, or services where the design is tailored to a specific group's tastes or needs. ～用 is more about the physical or functional necessity.
Example: 日本市場向け (Nihon shijō muke) - Aimed at the Japanese market. 日本用 (Nihon-yō) - For use in Japan (e.g., a power adapter).
専用 (sen'yō): This is a stronger version of ～用. It means 'exclusive use' or 'private use.' If something is 自分専用 (jibun sen'yō), it means 'exclusively for my own use' and no one else is allowed. You see this on 'Staff Only' signs: 関係者専用 (kankeisha sen'yō).

この車両は女性専用です。(Kono sharyō wa josei sen'yō desu.)
This train car is exclusively for women.

Another alternative is ～のための (no tame no). This is the most general way to say 'for the sake of' or 'for the purpose of.' It is used for people, abstract goals, and benefits. While ～用 is a suffix that creates a new noun, ～のための is a grammatical construction.

～のための (no tame no): Use this for benefits. 平和のための行進 (heiwa no tame no kōshin) - A march for peace. You cannot use ～用 here because peace is not a 'user' or a 'tool application.'

これは子供のために書かれた本です。(Kore wa kodomo no tame ni kakareta hon desu.)
This is a book written for (the benefit of) children.

In technical contexts, you might see ～に供する (ni kyō suru), which is a very formal way to say 'to provide for the use of.' This is mostly found in legal documents or high-level academic writing. For everyday Japanese, ～用 is much more common.

Finally, consider ～用事 (yōji). While it shares the same kanji 用, it means 'errand' or 'business to attend to.' Don't confuse the suffix ～用 with the noun 用事. If you say 用事がある (yōji ga aru), it means 'I have something to do,' not 'I have a use.'

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"本製品は医療用として認可されております。"

Neutro

"これは子供用の自転車です。"

Informal

"これ、自分用に買ったんだ。"

Child friendly

"これは子供用のおもちゃだよ。"

Gíria

"これ、ガチで自分用。"

Curiosidade

The radical of 用 is actually itself (用部). It is one of the few kanji that serves as its own radical.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /jəʊ/

US /joʊ/

The pitch usually starts high and drops slightly, but as a suffix, it often follows the pitch accent of the preceding noun.

Rima com

Kō (High) Sō (So) Tō (Ten) Hō (Method) Mō (Already) Nō (Ability) Rō (Labor) Kyō (Today)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'you' (yū). It should be a clear 'o' sound.
Making the 'o' sound too short. It is a long vowel (yō).
Adding a 'u' sound at the end like 'yow'.
Stress on the 'y' instead of the vowel.
Confusing the pitch with the word 'yo' (leaf).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

The kanji is simple and the suffix pattern is very consistent.

Escrita 3/5

The kanji 用 is easy to write but requires correct stroke order.

Expressão oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce, though the long 'ō' must be maintained.

Audição 2/5

Easy to hear as it usually comes at the end of a noun.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

子供 (Child) 自分 (Self) 料理 (Cooking) 仕事 (Work) の (Particle)

Aprenda a seguir

向け (Aimed at) 専用 (Exclusive use) ため (Purpose/Benefit) 用意 (Preparation) 利用 (Utilization)

Avançado

用途 (Application) 実用的 (Practical) 汎用性 (Versatility) 公用 (Official use) 服用 (Taking medicine)

Gramática essencial

Noun + 用 (Suffix formation)

事務 + 用 = 事務用

Noun + 用 + の + Noun (Adjectival use)

子供用の靴

Noun + 用 + に + Verb (Purpose of action)

自分用に買う

Noun + 用 + だ/です (Predicate)

これは業務用だ。

～専用 (Stronger exclusivity)

関係者専用

Exemplos por nível

これは子供用です。

This is for children.

Noun + 用 + です.

自分用にお菓子を買いました。

I bought sweets for myself.

自分用 (for oneself) is a common set phrase.

女性用はどこですか？

Where is the one for women?

Using 用 to refer to a section or category.

これは練習用です。

This is for practice.

練習 (practice) + 用.

赤ちゃん用の服です。

These are clothes for babies.

Noun + 用 + の + Noun.

犬用のケーキがあります。

There is a cake for dogs.

犬 (dog) + 用.

これは仕事用です。

This is for work.

仕事 (work) + 用.

左利き用のペンです。

This is a pen for left-handed people.

左利き (left-handed) + 用.

料理用の酒を買いました。

I bought sake for cooking.

料理 (cooking) + 用.

この出口は非常用です。

This exit is for emergency use.

非常 (emergency) + 用.

来客用のスリッパを準備します。

I will prepare slippers for guests.

来客 (guest) + 用.

これは家庭用のプリンターです。

This is a printer for home use.

家庭 (home/household) + 用.

外用薬はここに置いてください。

Please put the external medicine here.

外用 (external use) + 薬 (medicine).

旅行用のカバンが欲しいです。

I want a bag for traveling.

旅行 (travel) + 用.

このゴミ箱はカン用です。

This trash can is for cans.

カン (can) + 用.

試験用の鉛筆を忘れました。

I forgot the pencils for the exam.

試験 (exam) + 用.

プレゼント用にラッピングしてください。

Please wrap it as a gift.

用 + に + Verb (to do for a purpose).

業務用スーパーで安く買いました。

I bought it cheaply at a commercial supermarket.

業務用 (commercial use) is a very common compound.

この車両は女性専用です。

This car is exclusively for women.

専用 (exclusive use) is stronger than just 用.

事務用の用品を注文しました。

I ordered office supplies.

事務 (office work) + 用.

この薬は服用方法を守ってください。

Please follow the instructions for taking this medicine.

服用 (internal use/taking medicine) is a formal term.

自分用のご褒美にケーキを買った。

I bought a cake as a reward for myself.

自分用 (for personal use).

会議用の資料をコピーしました。

I copied the materials for the meeting.

会議 (meeting) + 用.

これは登山用の靴です。

These are shoes for mountain climbing.

登山 (mountain climbing) + 用.

この製品は輸出用として開発されました。

This product was developed for export.

輸出 (export) + 用.

産業用ロボットが工場で動いています。

Industrial robots are operating in the factory.

産業 (industry) + 用.

これは医療用マスクで、一般用とは違います。

This is a medical mask, and it's different from general-use ones.

医療用 (medical use) vs 一般用 (general use).

鑑賞用の植物なので、食べられません。

It's a plant for decorative viewing, so it's not edible.

鑑賞 (viewing/appreciation) + 用.

このソフトウェアは教育用です。

This software is for educational use.

教育 (education) + 用.

非常用持ち出し袋を準備しておこう。

Let's prepare an emergency evacuation bag.

非常用 (emergency use) + 持ち出し (taking out).

研究用のデータを集めています。

I am gathering data for research.

研究 (research) + 用.

この池の魚は観賞用です。

The fish in this pond are for viewing (ornamental).

観賞 (viewing/ornamental) + 用.

公用車を私用で使うことは禁じられている。

Using an official vehicle for private use is prohibited.

公用 (public/official use) vs 私用 (private use).

この土地は軍事用として接収された。

This land was requisitioned for military use.

軍事 (military) + 用.

飲用には適さない水ですので注意してください。

Please be careful as this water is not suitable for drinking.

飲用 (drinking use) is more formal than 飲み用.

彼はその道具を本来の用途とは違う方法で使った。

He used the tool in a way different from its original purpose.

用途 (yōto) means 'use' or 'application' as a noun.

この文書は内部用につき、持ち出し厳禁です。

This document is for internal use and is strictly prohibited from being taken out.

内部 (internal) + 用.

宗教用の儀式に使われる道具です。

It is a tool used for religious ceremonies.

宗教 (religion) + 用.

この施設は多目的に利用可能です。

This facility can be used for multiple purposes.

多目的 (multi-purpose) uses the 'purpose' nuance of 用.

実用的な知識を身につけることが大切だ。

It is important to acquire practical knowledge.

実用的 (jitsuyō-teki) means 'practical'.

その法案は、産業廃棄物処理用の基準を定めている。

The bill establishes standards for industrial waste disposal use.

Complex compound noun with ～用.

宇宙空間での船外活動用スーツの開発が進んでいる。

The development of suits for extravehicular activity in outer space is progressing.

Highly specific technical designation.

この素材は、航空機用の構造材として極めて優秀だ。

This material is extremely excellent as a structural material for aircraft.

Technical/Industrial application.

古文書の解読用ソフトが歴史研究を加速させている。

Software for deciphering ancient documents is accelerating historical research.

Specialized academic utility.

彼は、自己の保身用としてその証拠を隠し持っていた。

He kept that evidence hidden for the purpose of self-protection.

Abstract/Psychological application of 'purpose'.

この薬品は研究用試薬であり、人体には使用できない。

This chemical is a research reagent and cannot be used on the human body.

Scientific/Regulatory designation.

伝統建築の修復用資材の確保が困難になっている。

Securing materials for the restoration of traditional architecture is becoming difficult.

Cultural/Technical application.

その装置は、深海探査用として特別に設計された。

The device was specially designed for deep-sea exploration.

Specific mission-oriented utility.

Colocações comuns

自分用

業務用

子供用

非常用

料理用

女性用

男性用

事務用

家庭用

練習用

Frases Comuns

用を足す

用が足りる

用がある

用を済ませる

用をなさない

用を仰せ付ける

用を弁ずる

用を立てる

急用ができる

用件を伝える

Frequentemente confundido com

~用 vs 向け (muke)

向け is for 'aimed at' (audience), while 用 is for 'utility' (function).

~用 vs ため (tame)

ため is for 'benefit' or 'reason,' while 用 is for 'physical use.'

~用 vs 用事 (yōji)

用事 is a noun meaning 'errand,' not a suffix for 'use.'

Expressões idiomáticas

"用を足す"

As mentioned, a common idiom for using the restroom.

駅で用を足してから電車に乗る。

Neutral

"不用の長物"

A useless thing that just gets in the way; a white elephant.

この大きな家具は不用の長物だ。

Literary

"用は済んだ"

I'm done with you/this; the business is finished.

もうお前に用は済んだ。帰れ。

Informal/Rough

"用が済む"

To be finished with a task.

用が済んだら連絡してください。

Neutral

"用をなす"

To serve a purpose.

それは十分用をなしている。

Neutral

"用を欠く"

To lack what is necessary for a purpose.

準備が用を欠いている。

Formal

"用を弁じかねる"

To be unable to handle the business.

私ではその用を弁じかねます。

Formal

"用をなさない"

To be completely useless.

壊れた時計は用をなさない。

Neutral

"用を足しにいく"

Going to run an errand.

銀行へ用を足しにいく。

Neutral

"用件のみ"

Business only; no small talk.

用件のみ失礼します。

Formal/Business

Fácil de confundir

~用 vs 向け (muke)

Both translate to 'for' in English.

Muke is for target audiences (e.g., beginners), while Yō is for physical function (e.g., cooking).

初心者向けの本 vs 料理用の酒

~用 vs ため (tame)

Both indicate purpose.

Tame is abstract (for health), while Yō is concrete (for children).

健康のため vs 子供用

~用 vs 専用 (sen'yō)

Both mean 'for use.'

Sen'yō implies exclusivity (only for X), while Yō is just a designation.

女性用 (for women) vs 女性専用 (only for women)

~用 vs 向き (muki)

Sounds similar to Muke and Yō.

Muki means 'suitable for' or 'facing.'

夏向きの服 (Clothes suitable for summer).

~用 vs 用途 (yōto)

Contains the same kanji.

Yōto is the noun 'usage/application,' while ～用 is the suffix.

用途が広い (Wide range of uses).

Padrões de frases

これは [Noun] 用です。

これは子供用です。

[Noun] 用の [Noun] です。

料理用の酒です。

[Noun] 用に [Verb]。

プレゼント用に買いました。

自分用に [Verb]。

自分用にお菓子を買った。

[Noun] 専用の [Noun]。

社員専用の入り口。

[Noun] 用として [Verb]。

輸出用として開発された。

[Noun] 用につき、 [Instruction]。

内部用につき、持ち出し禁止。

[Complex Noun] 用の [Noun]。

産業廃棄物処理用の基準。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in written labels and retail; moderately high in daily speech.

Erros comuns

Using ～用 for target audiences of media. → Use ～向け (muke).
A movie for kids is 'Kodomo-muke,' not 'Kodomo-yō,' because it's content, not a physical tool.
Saying 'Taberu-yō' for 'for eating.' → Use 'Shokuyō' (食用).
～用 must attach to a noun. 'Shoku' is the noun form of 'eat.'
Omitting 'no' when modifying a noun. → Kodomo-yō NO kutsu.
～用 acts as a noun, so 'no' is required to connect it to another noun.
Using ～用 for abstract benefits. → Use ～のため (no tame).
'For your health' is 'Kenkō no tame,' not 'Kenkō-yō.'
Confusing 用 with 用事 (yōji). → Use 用事がある for 'I have an errand.'
用 as a suffix means 'for use,' but as a noun, it's part of 'yōji' (errand).

Dicas

Don't forget 'NO'

When using ～用 to describe a noun, always put 'no' in between. 'Kodomo-yō no kutsu' is the correct way to say 'shoes for children.'

Use 'Jibun-yō' to save time

If you are at a gift shop, saying 'Jibun-yō desu' tells the clerk you don't need fancy wrapping, which saves time and paper.

Check 'Kanetsu-yō' labels

When buying seafood in Japan, always check if it says 'Seishoku-yō' (raw consumption) or 'Kanetsu-yō' (must be cooked) to avoid food poisoning.

Learn 'Gyōmu-yō'

Knowing 'Gyōmu-yō' helps you find bulk deals in Japanese supermarkets. It's the secret to cheap shopping in Japan!

Respect 'Sen'yō' signs

If you see 'Sen'yō' (専用), it means 'exclusive.' Make sure you belong to that category before entering or using the item.

Kanji Stroke Order

The kanji 用 has 5 strokes. Make sure the vertical line goes through the middle correctly. It's a very common kanji, so it's worth mastering.

Listen for the long 'O'

The 'yō' in ～用 is a long vowel. In fast speech, it might sound short, but try to distinguish it from 'yo' (particle).

Slipper Culture

Remember 'Toire-yō' slippers! Using the wrong slippers in a Japanese home is a major faux pas. The label '用' will help you.

Office Supplies

In an office, look for 'Jimu-yō' labels to find general supplies like pens and paper that are free for everyone to use.

Commuter Passes

At ticket machines, 'Teikiken-yō' slots are only for commuter passes. Don't try to put regular tickets in them!

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the 'Y' in 'Yo' as standing for 'Your Use.' Whenever you see ～用, it's telling you 'Your Use' for this item.

Associação visual

Imagine a label on a box. The kanji 用 looks a bit like a bucket or a container with a handle. Think of it as a container designed for a specific 'use.'

Word Web

子供用 (Kids) 業務用 (Business) 自分用 (Self) 非常用 (Emergency) 料理用 (Cooking) 女性用 (Women) 男性用 (Men) 事務用 (Office)

Desafio

Go through your house and imagine Japanese labels for 5 items using ～用. For example, your toothbrush is 'ha-migaki-yō' (for tooth brushing).

Origem da palavra

The kanji 用 (yō) originated as a pictograph of a fence or a tool made of wood. Over time, the meaning evolved from the physical tool itself to the act of using the tool, and finally to the general concept of 'utility' or 'business.'

Significado original: Tool, implement, or to use.

Sino-Japanese (Onyomi reading).

Contexto cultural

Be careful with 'Josei-yō' and 'Dansei-yō' in modern contexts, though they remain standard labels for toilets and clothing sections.

English uses 'for' for almost everything, but Japanese splits 'for' into many words. ～用 is specifically for the physical utility of an object.

Gyomu Super (A famous discount supermarket chain). Josei Sen'yō Sharyō (Women-only train cars, a common sight in major cities). Hijō-yō Mochidashi Bukuro (The standard emergency earthquake kit every household is encouraged to have).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Shopping

子供用はありますか？
自分用に買います。
プレゼント用に包んでください。
これは業務用ですか？

Office/Work

会議用の資料です。
事務用のペンをください。
これはテスト用です。
社内用の文書です。

Public Places

非常用出口はどこですか？
女性専用車両はどこですか？
これは車椅子用です。
ペットボトル用のゴミ箱。

Cooking/Food

料理用の酒。
刺身用の魚。
これは加熱用です。
生食用のカキ。

Medicine

外用薬を塗る。
服用方法を確認する。
消毒用アルコール。
医療用マスク。

Iniciadores de conversa

"それは自分用ですか、それともプレゼント用ですか？ (Is that for yourself or for a gift?)"

"子供用のメニューはありますか？ (Is there a children's menu?)"

"これは料理用のワインですか？ (Is this wine for cooking?)"

"非常用の持ち出し袋は準備していますか？ (Have you prepared an emergency evacuation bag?)"

"その靴は登山用ですか？ (Are those shoes for mountain climbing?)"

Temas para diário

今日、自分用に買ったものを書いてください。 (Write about something you bought for yourself today.)

家にある「業務用」のものを探して書いてください。 (Find something 'commercial use' in your house and write about it.)

あなたが仕事用に使っている道具を紹介してください。 (Introduce the tools you use for work.)

非常用バッグの中に何を入れるべきか考えてください。 (Think about what should be put in an emergency bag.)

「子供用」と「大人用」で一番違うと思うものは何ですか？ (What do you think is the most different between 'for kids' and 'for adults'?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Almost any noun that can represent a user or a purpose can take ～用. However, it is most common with concrete categories like 'kids,' 'office,' or 'cooking.' Using it with abstract concepts like 'happiness' is incorrect.

子供用 (Kodomo-yō) means the item is physically designed for kids (like a small chair). 子供向け (Kodomo-muke) means the content is aimed at kids (like a cartoon or a storybook).

Yes, 'Jibun-yō' is a standard and polite way to tell a shopkeeper that an item is for yourself and doesn't need gift wrapping.

Gyoumu-yō means 'commercial use.' These products are intended for restaurants, so they come in much larger quantities than 'Katei-yō' (home use) products.

No, you should use the noun form 'Shokuyō' (食用). ～用 attaches to nouns, not verbs.

Yes. 女性用 means 'for women' (like a section in a store). 女性専用 means 'exclusively for women' (like a train car where men are not allowed).

You use 'Hijō-yō' (非常用). You will see this on fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

It means 'for heating use.' This indicates the fish is not fresh enough to be eaten as sashimi and must be cooked.

You can use it to describe an item intended for a person (e.g., 'Anata-yō no purezento' - a present for your use), but 'Anata no tame' is more common for personal benefit.

It is almost always written in kanji (用), though you might see it in hiragana (よう) in materials for very young children.