用到 (yòng dào) — to use (in a particular context); to apply (to a specific situation or purpose)

Definition

用到 is the result complement form of 用, highlighting that the tool, method, or suggestion has actually been put into practice in a particular situation. It stresses application to a specific context, not just general use.

verb
to use (in a particular context)to apply (to a specific situation or purpose)

Examples

  • 用到。
    Zhè ge ruǎn jiàn zài hěn duō lǐng yù dōu néng yòng dào.
    This software can be used in many fields.
  • 用到。
    Nǐ de jiàn yì wǒ yòng dào le.
    I used your suggestion.
  • 用到。
    Zhè zhāo hěn nán yòng dào zài shí zhàn zhōng.
    This technique is hard to apply in actual combat.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

用yònguse
到dàoreach

用 means use and 到 indicates reaching a result, so it means to use something for a purpose.

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 →

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

Meaning part形符xíngfú
至至zhìto arrive
Sound part声符shēngfú
刀
刀dāo到dào
Same sound today

到 combines 至, meaning 'to arrive', with 刀 as the sound part. The 至 part points to the idea of reaching a stopping point.

Open 到 →

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