Translation and Meaning of: 利用 - riyou

The Japanese word 「利用」 (riyou) is widely used in everyday Japanese and encomes the concept of "use", "utilization" or "exploitation". This word is composed of two kanji: 「利」 (ri) and 「用」 (you). The kanji 「利」 means "advantage", "benefit" or "profit", while the kanji 「用」 refers to "use" or "purpose". Together, they form an expression that emphasizes the effective and advantageous use of a resource or service.

The etymology of 「利用」 traces back to fundamental concepts of efficiency and effectiveness, which are highly valued in Japanese culture. The radical 「利」 has its roots in ideas of cutting and dividing, symbolizing the act of separating the useful from the useless, allowing for the harnessing of what is valuable. Meanwhile, the radical 「用」 is often associated with functions, operations, and concrete actions, reinforcing the idea of practical application and functionality.

In Japan, the word 「利用」 is widely applied in everyday contexts, such as when referring to the use of public services, transportation, or even in more formal contexts, such as the use of business facilities. Additionally, it is common to find combinations with other to specify types of use, such as 「利用者」 (riyousha), which means "," or 「利用可能」 (riyounou), which means "available for use."

Throughout time, the notion of associating use with advantage and purpose has made 「利用」 an expression that not only communicates the action of using but also suggests a conscious and logical use of available resources. This emphasis on efficiency and advantage resonates with cultural and social aspects of Japan, where resource maximization is often sought, reflecting the importance of adaptation and innovation in a nation with limited space and high population density.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 利益 (rieki) - Profit, benefit
• 利得 (ritoku) - Gain, profit
• 利益を得る (rieki o eru) - Get profit/benefit
• 利用する (riyou suru) - Use, make use of
• 利用可能 (riyou kanou) - Available for use
• 利用価値 (riyou kachi) - Value of use
• 利用価値がある (riyou kachi ga aru) - It has use value
• 利用価値が高い (riyou kachi ga takai) - High utility value