実用

じつよう

practical use, utility

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"実用" (じつよう) refers to the practical use or utility of something, emphasizing its functionality in real-life situations rather than theoretical or decorative aspects.

Common Contexts

It is often used when discussing tools, technology, furniture, or knowledge that is meant to be applied effectively in everyday life or work.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 実用的 (じつようてき): practical, functional
  • 実用性 (じつようせい): practicality, usability
  • 実用段階 (じつようだんかい): practical application stage

These collocations highlight different nuances, such as describing something as practical (実用的) or focusing on the degree of usability (実用性).

Register and Nuance

"実用" is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often found in technical, educational, and consumer product discussions.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "実用" with "実際" (じっさい), which means "actual" or "real." Remember, "実用" focuses on usefulness and practical application, while "実際" refers to reality or fact.

Example Sentences

このじしょはがくせいのためにじつようてきなたんごがおおくのっています。

This dictionary contains many practical words for students.

じつようせいをじゅうししてかぐをえらびました。

I chose furniture with an emphasis on practicality.

このぎじゅつはまだじつようだんかいにはたっしていません。

This technology has not yet reached the practical application stage.