Japanese symbol for “use”

使用

しよう

Romaji: shiyou

use; application; employment; utilization

In Japanese, use is 使用, read しよう (shiyou).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

n, vs, vt use; application; employment; utilization; utilisation

Kanji and stroke order

使

use, send on a mission, order

on: シ
kun: つか.う、つか.い、-つか.い、-づか.い

8 strokes · JLPT 3

用

utilize, business, service

on: ヨウ
kun: もち.いる

5 strokes · JLPT 3

Other Japanese words for “use”

Word	Reading	Meaning
利用	りよう riyou	use; utilization; utilisation
使う	つかう tsukau	to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of; to put to use
採用	さいよう saiyou	use; adoption; acceptance
行使	こうし koushi	use; exercise (of one's right, authority, power, etc.)
用途	ようと youto	use; service; purpose

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
使う	つかう tsukau	to use (a tool, method, etc.); to make use of; to put to use
使い	つかい tsukai	errand; mission; going on an errand
大使館	たいしかん taishikan	embassy
行使	こうし koushi	use; exercise (of one's right, authority, power, etc.)
大使	たいし taishi	ambassador
利用	りよう riyou	use; utilization; utilisation
採用	さいよう saiyou	use; adoption; acceptance
用意	ようい youi	preparation; arrangements; provision