聘用 (pìn yòng) is the formal verb for 'to hire, to employ', focusing on the act of engaging someone into a position, often after a selection process. It contrasts with 招聘 (zhāo pìn) which means 'to recruit' (the process of seeking candidates), and with 雇佣 (gù yōng) which is more general and can imply a labor contract. 聘请 (pìn qǐng) is used for hiring professionals or specialists, often with a sense of invitation.