用于 yòngyú to use in
to use in; to use on; to use for
How to remember 用于: 用 to use (Kangxi radical 101) + 于 at = to use in.
Characters
How it is used
- Formal written verb meaning 'used for/in', always followed by a noun object.
- 这个方法用于教学 (zhège fāngfǎ yòngyú jiàoxué) - This method is used for teaching.
- Contrast with 用来 (yònglái), which is followed by a verb phrase and sounds more everyday: 用来做什么 (used to do what).
- 用于 is common in technical, academic, and official writing; rare in casual speech.