用来

yòng lái

HSK 3.0 Level 4 Verb Common

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Definitions

1. to be used for

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Word relationships

Register variants

1 item

• 用于 yòng yú 用于 yòng yú to use in; to use on; to use for 用于 is more formal and common in written language: to use in; to use on; to use for

Usage notes

Common mistakes

用来 must be followed by a verb phrase describing purpose, not just a noun. E.g., 用来学习 (use for studying), not 用来书.

Formality

用来 is common in everyday speech, while 用于 is more formal and written.

Example Sentences

4 shown

这个库 用来 存储粮食。

This warehouse is used to store grain.

这些料是 用来 做衣服的。

These materials are for making clothes.

这些砖是 用来 盖房子的。

These bricks are used for building houses.

这把刀可以 用来 切菜。

This knife can be used to cut vegetables.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 用来

• 来 来 lái: to come
• 用 用 yòng: to use