This section introduces the N4 kanji 使. This character is crucial for anyone learning Japanese, as it forms the foundation for expressing actions like 'using,' 'employing,' and 'sending.' Its versatility means you'll encounter it constantly in daily conversation, literature, and official contexts. A solid grasp of its structure, readings, and common applications will significantly boost your Japanese vocabulary and comprehension.
Meaning
The kanji 使 primarily conveys the meanings of 'to use,' 'to employ,' and 'to send' (especially a person, like an envoy or messenger). At its core, it represents the idea of putting something or someone into service for a particular purpose.
To understand its origin, we'll break down its components. The left part is 人, the radical for 'person' or 'human.' The right part, 吏, represents an 'official' or 'scribe.' Originally, the character depicted a person (人) serving as an official (吏), or an official acting as an envoy. This combination initially led to meanings related to 'dispatching a person' or 'a messenger.' Over time, this concept broadened to 'employing' someone for a task, and then further generalized to 'using' an object or skill. Thus, the visual shape effectively connects a 'person' with the idea of 'official duty' or 'service,' naturally extending to being 'sent' or 'employed,' and ultimately, 'used.'
With 8 strokes, 使 is taught in the 3rd grade in Japanese elementary schools. This corresponds to the JLPT N4 level, making it an early and essential character for learners due to its relatively low stroke count and common usage.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading of 使 (shi) comes from its historical pronunciation in China. This reading typically appears when 使 is part of a compound word, often in more formal or official contexts. You'll find it in words related to roles, missions, or the general act of using.
使用 (shiyō) — use; application. This is a very common word for the act of using something. For example, このペンを使用します (Kono pen o shiyō shimasu - I will use this pen).
大使 (taishi) — ambassador. This refers to an official envoy of the highest rank sent by one sovereign or state to another. For example, 日本の大使 (Nihon no taishi - Japan's ambassador).
使役 (shieki) — (grammatical) causative. This term refers to the grammatical form that expresses causing or making someone do something. In linguistics, 使役形 (shiekikei) specifically denotes the causative form of a verb.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings of 使 are native Japanese pronunciations. They are primarily used when the kanji stands alone as a verb or as part of a native Japanese compound that often includes okurigana (送り仮名), the trailing hiragana characters.
使う (tsukau) — to use; to employ; to spend (money/time). This is the most common and versatile verb form. It can refer to using tools, skills, money, or time.
彼は携帯を使うのが得意です (Kare wa keitai o tsukau no ga tokui desu) — He is good at using his phone.
時間を使う (jikan o tsukau) — to spend time.
-つか.い (-tsukai) — This often functions as a suffix, referring to a messenger, an errand, or a particular way of using something.
使い方 (tsukaikata) — how to use; method of using. For example, このソフトウェアの使い方を教えてください (Kono sofutowea no tsukaikata o oshiete kudasai - Please teach me how to use this software).
使い走り (tsukaihashiri) — errand boy/girl; gofer. This refers to someone who is sent on errands, typically for small tasks.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 使 combines with many other characters, forming a rich array of words. These compounds showcase its core meanings across various contexts, from everyday actions to specialized roles and abstract concepts.
General Usage & Actions
使用 (shiyō) — use; application; employment. A very broad term for the act of using.
使う (tsukau) — to use; to employ; to spend. The fundamental verb.
使える (tsukaeru) — to be usable; to be effective. The potential form of 使う.
使い道 (tsukaimichi) — use; purpose; application. The way something is used or its intended purpose.
使い捨て (tsukaisute) — disposable; throwaway. Items designed for single use.
People & Roles
大使 (taishi) — ambassador. A diplomatic representative.
天使 (tenshi) — angel. Literally, a 'heavenly messenger.'
使者 (shisha) — messenger; envoy; delegate. A person sent with a message or on a mission.
便使い (bintsukai) — messenger. A more traditional term for someone delivering messages.
Abstract Concepts & Causation
使命 (shimei) — mission; calling; destiny. A task one is sent to do or feels compelled to perform.
使役 (shieki) — causative (grammar); employment. The act of making someone do something, or putting someone to work.
Example Sentences
このペンはとても使いやすいです。
Kono pen wa totemo tsukaiyasui desu.
This pen is very easy to use.
大使館は駅の近くにあります。
Taishikan wa eki no chikaku ni arimasu.
The embassy is near the station.
使者が重要なメッセージを運んできました。
Shisha ga jūyō na messēji o hakonde kimashita.
A messenger brought an important message.
彼はお金を上手に使います。
Kare wa okane o jōzu ni tsukaimasu.
He uses money skillfully.
この機能はまだ使えませんか。
Kono kinō wa mada tsukaemasen ka?
Is this feature still unusable?
言葉の使い方で印象が大きく変わります。
Kotoba no tsukaikata de inshō ga ōkiku kawarimasu.
The impression changes greatly depending on how words are used.
学生たちはパソコンを使用してレポートを作成しました。
Gakusei-tachi wa pasokon o shiyō shite repōto o sakusei shimashita.
The students used personal computers to create their reports.
外国で暮らすとき、辞書を頻繁に使うことが役立ちます。
Gaikoku de kurasu toki, jisho o hinpan ni tsukau koto ga yakudachimasu.
When living abroad, it is helpful to frequently use a dictionary.
彼女は言葉を巧みに使い、相手を説得する力を持っています。
Kanojo wa kotoba o takumi ni tsukai, aite o settoku suru chikara o motteimasu.
She skillfully uses words and possesses the power to persuade others.
政府は国民の税金をどのように使うべきか、慎重に検討する必要があります。
Seifu wa kokumin no zeikin o dono yō ni tsukau beki ka, shinchō ni kentō suru hitsuyō ga arimasu.
The government needs to carefully consider how it should use citizens' taxes.
Related Kanji
- 弟 — Younger Brother, Junior (Kanji N4)
- 以 — By Means Of, With, From (Kanji N4)
- 黒 — Black, Dark (Kanji N4)
- 洗 — Wash (Kanji N4)
- 短 — Short, brief, defect (Kanji N4)
- 田 — Rice Field (Kanji N4)
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 使, break it down into its components: the 'person' radical (人) on the left, and the component that resembles an 'official' or 'scribe' (吏) on the right. Picture a person (人) who is an official (吏) and is being sent or employed to carry out a duty. This person is using their skills or resources to complete their mission. So, think of 'person + official' as representing 'to send, to employ, to use.' Visualizing a diligent official dispatched to use their expertise for a task can help you anchor the meanings of 'use' or 'send' to this kanji.