用 (Utilize) — Kanji Decipher

Meaning & readings

utilize, business, service, use, employ

On’yomi ヨウ

Kun’yomi もち.いる

Nanori たから

Origin

This character appears to be a pictograph of a container or vessel, most likely a bell or ritual bronze vessel from ancient China. The simple rectangular frame with internal divisions represents the shape of such objects. Because these vessels were essential tools used for important purposes and ceremonies, the character came to mean "use" or "utilize" more broadly. Over time, the specific vessel meaning faded away, leaving only the general sense of putting something to practical purpose.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Pictographic or simple.

用 5 strokes

Components

This character is treated as a single, undivided shape (用).

用 radical

Common words

愛用あいよう favorite; favourite
悪用あくよう abuse; misuse
引用いんよう quotation; citation
運用うんよう making use of; application
応用おうよう (practical) application; putting to practical use
活用かつよう practical use; application
器用きよう skillful; skilful
起用きよう appointment (to a position, job, etc.); being used for a role

Reference

Strokes: 5
Kangxi radical: 101
Grade: Grade 2 (Kyōiku)
Frequency rank: #107 (newspapers)
Former JLPT: level 3
Unicode: U+07528