用 yòng

用（yòng）means “用 = 'with, using' — marks the tool, means or language used to do something”. As a coverb, 用 introduces the instrument, method or language used, and comes before the main verb: 用 + [tool] + [verb]. Formation: 用 + 工具/方式 + 动词短语

用 = 'with, using' — marks the tool, means or language used to do something

HSK2

Formation

用 + 工具/方式 + 动词短语

Explanation

As a coverb, 用 introduces the instrument, method or language used, and comes before the main verb: 用 + [tool] + [verb]. 用筷子吃 = eat with chopsticks; 用中文说 = say it in Chinese.

Examples

他 用 筷子吃饭。
tā yòng kuàizi chīfàn.
He eats with chopsticks.
请 用 中文回答这个问题。
qǐng yòng zhōngwén huídá zhège wèntí.
Please answer this question in Chinese.

Note

用 is also a full verb 'to use' (我用你的笔). The instrument phrase goes before the verb, never after.

FAQ

用 — what does it mean and how is it used?

用 = 'with, using' — marks the tool, means or language used to do something. As a coverb, 用 introduces the instrument, method or language used, and comes before the main verb: 用 + [tool] + [verb]. 用筷子吃 = eat with chopsticks; 用中文说 = say it in Chinese.

用 — how do you form it?

用 + 工具/方式 + 动词短语

用 — any usage notes?

用 is also a full verb 'to use' (我用你的笔). The instrument phrase goes before the verb, never after.

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