“To use” in Japanese is 使う (つかう), pronounced tsukau.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To use. 使ってもいいですか is how you ask to borrow or use something.
Example sentences
- パソコンを使ってもいいですか。パソコンをつかってもいいですか。May I use the computer?
- お箸を使えますか。おはしをつかえますか。Can you use chopsticks?
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 使う. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 使う つかう | use |
| Polite present | 使います つかいます | use |
| Polite negative | 使いません つかいません | don’t use |
| Polite past | 使いました つかいました | past of “use” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 使わない つかわない | don’t use (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 使った つかった | past of “use” (casual) |
| て-form | 使って つかって | use and… / please use (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 使いたい つかいたい | want to use |
Quick practice
Test yourself0/3
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to use in Japanese?
To use in Japanese is 使う (つかう), pronounced “tsukau”.
How do you write to use in Japanese?
It's written 使う with kanji, or つかう in hiragana. Both are read tsukau.
Is 使う on the JLPT?
Yes. 使う (tsukau) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.