よう
JLPT:N4
Frequency:

1Business, errand, or engagement — used in expressions like 'have business/errands' (用がある).

Noun

Examples

すみません、今ちょっと用があるので後で来ます。

Sorry, I have something to do now, so I'll come later.

友だちから急に用の連絡が入った。

I suddenly got a message from a friend about something they needed.

用が済んだら教えてください。

Let me know when you're finished with your business.

2Use or purpose — the function or purpose of something (what it is used for).

Noun

Examples

この部屋は会議用に予約してあります。

This room is reserved for meetings.

そのナイフはキャンプ用ですから家庭用とは違います。

That knife is for camping, so it's different from a household knife.

予算に用の区分がなく、何にいくら使ったのか分からない。

The budget has no breakdown by purpose, so it's unclear what was spent on what.

3Used as a suffix (~用) to mean 'for the use of' or 'made for' (e.g., 学習用, 子供用).

Noun (Suffix)

Examples

子供用の椅子を買った。

I bought a chair for children.

これは掃除用の洗剤です。飲まないでください。

This is a cleaning detergent. Do not drink it.

学習用アプリを毎日使って日本語を勉強している。

I study Japanese every day using a learning app.

4A colloquial sense meaning to relieve oneself (excretion), as in the fixed phrase 用を足す ('to go to the toilet'). In this sense, 用 almost never appears on its own outside that set phrase.

Noun

Examples

ちょっと用を足してきますので、先に行っていてください。

I'll just go to the restroom, so please go ahead without me.

山道で用を足すときは周りに注意すること。

Be careful of your surroundings when relieving yourself on a mountain path.

Word Relationships

Derivations