HSK Level 5

用来

yòng lái

be used for; used to

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Example Sentences

这个词典用来查单词。

zhège cídiǎn yòng lái chá cí.

This dictionary is used to look up words.

这把刀用来切菜。

zhè bǎ dāo yòng lái qiè cài.

This knife is used to cut vegetables.

这台电脑用来打字。

zhè tái diànnǎo yòng lái dǎ zì.

This computer is used for typing.

Synonyms

使用 (shǐyòng)

use

应用 (yìngyòng)

apply

Antonyms

不用 (bùyòng)

do not use

不使用 (bùshǐyòng)

do not use

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word **用来** (yòng lái) is a verb-object compound that literally means "to use for". It is composed of the verb **用** (yòng), which means "to use", and the particle **来** (lái), which indicates purpose or direction. The word **用来** can be used in a variety of contexts to express the idea of using something for a specific purpose.For example, you could say:* 我用手机来打电话。(Wǒ yòng shǒujī lái dǎ diànhuà.) - I use my phone to make phone calls.* 她用电脑来写作业。(Tā yòng diànnǎo lái xiě zuòyè.) - She uses her computer to do her homework.* 我们用钱来买东西。(Wǒmen yòng qián lái mǎi dōngxī.) - We use money to buy things.In each of these examples, the word **用来** is used to express the idea of using something for a specific purpose. The verb **用** is followed by the object that is being used, and the particle **来** indicates the purpose of the action.The word **用来** is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is an important word to know for HSK learners, as it is used frequently in everyday speech.