use
N4- Onyomi
- シ
- Kunyomi
- つか(う)
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N4
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Picture a single hand cupped sideways as if scooping something up: that is what 使 means — use. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 亻 (person) — a person standing at the left of the scene. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は8画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 8 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
使う
tsukau
to use
使用
shiyou
use
使って
tsukatte
use — te-form
使います
tsukaimasu
use — polite present
使用する
shiyousuru
to do use
使用した
shiyoushita
plain past: did use
Example sentences (3)
会社でパソコンを使います。
かいしゃ で ぱそこん を つかいます。
kaisha de pasokon o tsukaimasu.
I use a computer at work.
この辞書を使ってもいいですか。
この じしょ を つかって も いい です か。
kono jisho o tsukatte mo ii desu ka.
May I use this dictionary?
使い方が分からないので、もう一度説明してもらえますか。
つかいかた が わからない ので、もう いちど せつめい して もらえます か。
tsukaikata ga wakaranai node, mou ichido setsumei shite moraemasu ka.
I do not understand how to use it, so could you explain it once more?