用
yòng
By
The English word "by" has many different meanings, and in Chinese, it's often translated with different words or phrases depending on the context. 用 (yòng) is a common way to say "by" when it means "by using" a tool, method, or means.
What does 用 (yòng) mean?
用 (yòng) means “by” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “use.”
When to use it
Neutral. It's widely used in everyday conversation. For "by means of" in a more abstract or formal sense, 通过 (tōngguò) can be used. For "by" as the agent in a passive sentence, 被 (bèi) is common. For "by" meaning "beside," you'd use 在...旁边 (zài...pángbiān).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "YONG." It's a single syllable, pronounced with a strong, dropping tone (falling tone).
Other ways to say it
- 通过tōngguòby means of / through (for abstract methods/channels)
- 被bèiby (agent in passive voice)
- 坐zuòby (taking a vehicle)
Examples
我用手机查资料。
wǒ yòng shǒujī chá zīliào.
I check information by phone (using my phone).
他通过努力学习考上了大学。
tā tōngguò nǔlì xuéxí kǎo shàng le dàxué.
He got into university by studying hard.
他的钱包被小偷偷走了。
tā de qiánbāo bèi xiǎotōu tōuzǒu le.
His wallet was stolen by a thief.
Pro tip: “By” is a highly contextual preposition in English. In Chinese, there isn't one single equivalent. Instead, you'll need to choose different verbs, prepositions, or sentence structures depending on the specific meaning of “by” in the English sentence (e.g., “by means of,” “by whom,” “by what time,” “by where”).
Related phrases
但是 · But叫 · Call来 · Come
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