Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to be used for' with 用来 (yònglái)

    Purpose & Reason

    Structure

    Subject + 用来 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    用来 (yònglái) means "to be used for" or "used to do something." It indicates the purpose or function of an object or action. It connects a subject to the activity it serves.

    Examples

    • 这把刀是用来切菜的,不是用来开瓶子的。

      zhè bǎ dāo shì yòng lái qiē cài de, bú shì yòng lái kāi píngzi de.

      This knife is for cutting vegetables, not for opening bottles.

    • 这笔钱是用来交房租的,不能随便花。

      zhè bǐ qián shì yòng lái jiāo fángzū de, bù néng suíbiàn huā.

      This money is for paying rent and can't be spent carelessly.

    • 这个软件是用来编辑视频的,操作很简单。

      zhè gè ruǎnjiàn shì yòng lái biānjí shìpín de, cāozuò hěn jiǎndān.

      This software is for editing videos, and it's very easy to use.