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用于 (yòng yú) — to be used for; to be used in

Definition

用于 is the formal/written equivalent of 用来 — 'to be used for' a purpose. Use 使用 for tools in general, and 运用 for applying skills or methods.

verb
to be used forto be used in

Examples

  • 。
    Zhè zhǒng yào yòng yú zhì liáo gǎn mào.
    This medicine is used for treating colds.
  • 用于。
    Zhè ge gōng jù yòng yú xiū lǐ qì chē.
    This tool is used for repairing cars.
  • 用于。
    Zhè xiē shù jù yòng yú liǎo jiě shì chǎng qíng kuàng.
    This data is used to understand market conditions.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

用yònguse
于yúfor/at

用 (use) is paired with 于 (for/at) to mean 'used for something'.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

用 was formed by adding a handle to an earlier form.

Open 用 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 一一yīflat stream of air
  • 丂丂kǎoto exhale

The old shape of 于 may have pictured an ancient wind instrument. Another explanation reads 一 as a flat stream of air and 丂 as an exhaling mark.

Open 于 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 45000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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