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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "by means of" or "to use" with 用 (yòng)

    Manner & Method

    Structure

    用 + Noun/Method + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    The preposition 用 (yòng) means "by means of," "with," or "to use," indicating the tool, method, or means by which an action is performed. It is one of the most versatile and common function words in Chinese. For example, 用这种方式 means "by this method" or "in this way."

    Examples

    • 你可以用手机扫码付款，非常方便。

      nǐ kěyǐ yòng shǒujī sǎo mǎ fùkuǎn, fēicháng fāngbiàn.

      You can use your phone to scan a code to pay — it's very convenient.

    • 她喜欢用一种特殊的方式表达感谢。

      tā xǐhuān yòng yì zhǒng tèshū de fāngshì biǎodá gǎnxiè.

      She likes to express her gratitude in a special way.

    • 我们用了三天时间才完成这个项目。

      wǒmen yòng le sān tiān shíjiān cái wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.

      It took us three days to finish this project.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing "by means of" or "to use" with 用 (yòng) | Chinese Grammar