Definition
食用 (shí yòng) is a formal, written verb meaning 'to eat, to consume (food)'. It is used in instructions, labels, and formal statements (e.g., 食用前请清洗). The everyday word for eating is 吃 (chī), which is used in all spoken and most written contexts.
verb
to consume (food)to eat (formal)
Easily confused
- 使用shǐ yòngsound-aliketo use, to employ, to apply
- 适用shì yòngsound-alikeapplicable, suitable (for a particular situation or use)
- 实用shí yòngsound-alikepractical, functional, pragmatic
- 试用shì yòngsound-aliketo try out (a product, software, etc.)
Examples
- 食用。Zhèxiē shuǐguǒ kěyǐ shēng shí yòng.These fruits can be eaten raw.
- 食用。Zhè zhǒng yào bùyí chángqī shí yòng.This medicine is not suitable for long-term consumption.
- 食用。shí yòng qián qǐng xiān qīngxǐ.Please wash before eating.
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