The bridge level: everyday Japanese plus the polite forms you hear constantly at Japanese companies.
riyou
use / utilization
このアプリは無料で利用できます。
この あぷり は むりょう で りよう できます。
kono apuri wa muryou de riyou dekimasu.
You can use this app for free.
Memory tip利用 = useful use
Think of 利用 as “putting something to useful use.” When you 利用 an app, service, or system, you are not just touching it — you are using it for a purpose. 使用 is plainer hands-on use; 活用 is using something to its full potential.
Read the full tip →shiyou
use
この機能を使用するにはログインが必要です。
この きのう を しよう する に は ろぐいん が ひつよう です。
kono kinou o shiyou suru ni wa roguin ga hitsuyou desu.
You need to log in to use this feature.
Memory tip使用 = use a tool
使用 is the practical “use” of a tool, feature, or device. Imagine pressing a button, opening a function, or using equipment at work. 利用 leans toward services you benefit from; 使用 is the plain physical act.
Read the full tip →katsuyou
practical use
日本語の知識を仕事で活用したいです。
にほんご の ちしき を しごと で かつよう したい です。
nihongo no chishiki o shigoto de katsuyou shitai desu.
I want to make practical use of my Japanese knowledge at work.
Memory tip活用 = make it useful
活用 means using something well, not just using it. Think of taking your Japanese, your experience, or your data and making it actively useful. It is 使用 with the volume turned up.
Read the full tip →oubo
application (for a job)
日本のIT企業に応募しました。
にほん の IT きぎょう に おうぼ しました。
nihon no IT kigyou ni oubo shimashita.
I applied to a Japanese IT company.
Memory tip応募 = answer an opportunity
応募 feels like “responding to an opportunity.” When a job is open and you send your application, you are answering that chance. 募集 is the company casting the net; 応募 is you swimming into it.
Read the full tip →boshuu
recruitment
この会社はエンジニアを募集しています。
この かいしゃ は えんじにあ を ぼしゅう しています。
kono kaisha wa enjinia o boshuu shiteimasu.
This company is recruiting engineers.
Memory tip募集 = now recruiting
募集 is the “now hiring” poster — a company or group openly gathering people or entries. 応募 is your reply to it, and 採用 is the happy ending.
Read the full tip →saiyou
hiring
来月から新しい社員を採用します。
らいげつ から あたらしい しゃいん を さいよう します。
raigetsu kara atarashii shain o saiyou shimasu.
We will hire a new employee from next month.
Memory tip採用 = company chooses
採用 is the company side of the story. 応募 is when you apply; 採用 is when the company chooses and hires someone. It also works for ideas — a proposal that gets adopted is 採用された.
Read the full tip →Content for this section is coming soon.
Content for this section is coming soon.
