用
The 用 radical
To use
Memory hook
Originally a wooden bucket in daily use, now simply the word 'to use': 使用 (to use), 有用 (useful), 用心 (attentive).
The 用 radical (read yòng) means to use. The HSK 3.0 data contains 2 characters and 53 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 用 radical
Study this radical's 53 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 用 radical
2 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1用
to use
HSK 7-9· 1 characters
HSK 7-9甩
to throw away, to fling
Vocabulary with the 用 radical
53 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 用 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (37/53 words of this radical).
no need, need not
useful
to use
role; effect; function
to use
credit card
commonly used; frequently used
to use; to make use of; to utilize
application; app (software)
useless; of no use
cost; expense
to apply to; to be applicable
to adopt; to use
practical, useful
use, purpose
to apply, to use
no need
used for, used to
user
used to
common, general
for exclusive use, dedicated
credit; creditworthiness
supplies, articles
usefulness, utility
to be needed, to be useful for something
attentive, focused (state)
usage, method of use
needless to say, obviously
to borrow for use, to borrow an idea
shared, for public use
side effect
to use, to mobilize
to occupy, to take up
spare; reserve; for backup use
for household use, domestic use
to cite, to quote
Why learn vocabulary by the 用 radical?
The 用 radical hints at the meaning to use. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 2 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 53 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.