借用 jièyòng to borrow something for another use
to borrow something for another use; to borrow an idea for one's own use
How to remember 借用: 借 borrow + 用 to use (Kangxi radical 101) = to borrow something for another use.
Characters
How it is used
- To borrow something for a purpose, or borrow a concept/method for one's own use - 借用一下你的笔 (jièyòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ) may I borrow your pen.
- Beyond objects, it commonly means adopting an idea, term, or approach from elsewhere: 借用他的说法 (borrow his phrasing).
- vs plain 借 (jiè, to borrow) - 借用 stresses borrowing to use temporarily, and is the natural word for borrowing intangibles.
Example sentences
- 我可以借用您的眼线笔吗？ Wǒ kěyǐ jièyòng nín de yǎnxiànbǐ ma?Could I borrow your eyeliner?
- 我能借用你的剪刀吗？ Wǒnéng jièyòng nǐ de jiǎndāo ma?Can I borrow your scissors?