Quick answer
使 is the kanji for "to use". The most common reading is つか.う (tsukau). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to use
Also : to employ · Messenger · Ambassador
Learn 使 with SRS
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 使 represents 'USE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of use.
On-reading: し — remember this sound by associating it with use. Kun-reading: つか.う.
Example Sentences
スマホを使って友達に連絡します。
すまほをつかってともだちにれんらくします。
I use my smartphone to contact friends.
辞書を使って調べました。
じしょをつかってしらべました。
I looked it up using a dictionary.
Vocabulary using 使
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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