How common it is
用来 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say yòng lái slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
用来表示某物的用途。
yòng lái biǎo shì mǒu wù de yòng tú。
用来 means something is used for a purpose.
Context note
用来常用于说明功能和用途。
yòng lái cháng yòng yú shuō míng gōng néng hé yòng tú。
用来 is often used to explain function and purpose.
5 examples
这个盒子用来装东西。
zhè ge hé zi yòng lái zhuāng dōng xī。
This box is used to hold things.
纸用来写字。
zhǐ yòng lái xiě zì。
Paper is used for writing.
这个按钮用来开门。
zhè ge àn niǔ yòng lái kāi mén。
This button is used to open the door.
他用来练习中文。
tā yòng lái liàn xí zhōng wén。
He uses it to practice Chinese.
这本书用来学习词语。
zhè běn shū yòng lái xué xí cí yǔ。
This book is used to study words.
5 mini stories
这个袋子用来装水果。
zhè ge dài zǐ yòng lái zhuāng shuǐ guǒ。
This bag is used to hold fruit.
老师说黑板用来写字。
lǎo shī shuō hēi bǎn yòng lái xiě zì。
The teacher said the blackboard is used for writing.
这个软件用来学习中文。
zhè ge ruǎn jiàn yòng lái xué xí zhōng wén。
This software is used to learn Chinese.
他把旧盒子用来收纳。
tā bǎ jiù hé zi yòng lái shōu nà。
He used the old box for storage.
工具都有不同的用处。
gōng jù dōu yǒu bù tóng de yòng chu。
Tools all have different uses.