役立てる|やくだてるyakudateru[4]nakadaka (mid-high)

Common
Definitions
  1. ichidan verb, transitive verbto put to use; to make use of; to turn to account
Conjugation
Dictionary form役立てる(やくだてる)
Polite (masu)役立てます(やくだてます)
Negative (nai)役立てない(やくだてない)
polite (masen)役立てません(やくだてません)
classical zu / nu役立てず・役立てぬ(やくだてず・やくだてぬ)
Past (ta)役立てた(やくだてた)
polite (mashita)役立てました(やくだてました)
Past negative (nakatta)役立てなかった(やくだてなかった)
polite (masen deshita)役立てませんでした(やくだてませんでした)
Te form役立てて(やくだてて)
Potential役立てられる(やくだてられる)
Passive役立てられる(やくだてられる)
Causative役立てさせる(やくだてさせる)
Causative passive役立てさせられる(やくだてさせられる)
Conditional (ba)役立てれば(やくだてれば)
tara役立てたら(やくだてたら)
Volitional役立てよう(やくだてよう)
polite (mashou)役立てましょう(やくだてましょう)
Imperative役立てろ(やくだてろ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Transitive / intransitive pair
transitive役立てるやくだてる⇄intransitive役立つやくだつ
知識ちしきを役立やくだてる
役立つ describes something as being useful or serving a purpose on its own, while 役立てる focuses on a person actively putting something to use.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym活用かつようNeutralMaking full use of something, as in 「人材を活用する」. Common in speech and writing alike; stresses using it to the fullest, where 「役立てる」 stresses putting it to use.
  • Synonym用いるもちいるWrittenA verb of formal written prose: to use or adopt something, also to employ a person; stresses choosing what to use.
  • Synonym利かすきかすNeutralTo bring out an effect or add seasoning, as in 「機転を利かす」; stresses making the effect actually show.
  • Synonym使用しようNeutralPlain, objective 'use'; unlike 「役立てる」 it says nothing about the effect or benefit.
  • Synonym利用りようNeutralTo use or make use of something, also to exploit a person, as in 「人を利用する」; stresses gaining an advantage.
  • Synonym利するりするWrittenA written-style verb: to benefit someone or something, or to make use of it, as in 「敵を利する」.
  • Related使うつかうNeutralThe broadest, most general verb for using something; it does not stress that the use benefits the target.
  • Related運用うんようNeutralFor putting systems or funds to work, as in 「資産運用」; stresses managing and operating something.
  • Related働かせるはたらかせるNeutralTo set someone to work, or to get one's mind going, as in 「頭を働かせる」; stresses setting something in motion.
  • Related当てはめるあてはめるNeutralTo fit or apply something to a particular case; stresses matching the right thing to the right slot.
  • Related適用てきようNeutralApplying a rule, law or method to a case, as in 「保険が適用される」; 「役立てる」 stresses making something useful instead.
  • Related充てるあてるNeutralTo assign or set aside money, time and the like for a purpose; stresses allocation rather than use.
  • Related行使こうしNeutralExercising rights or power, as in 「武力行使」; the emphasis is on authority, not on making something useful.
  • Antonym無駄にするむだにするNeutralThe direct opposite: to waste something or let it come to nothing, where 「役立てる」 means putting it to use.
  • Antonym粗末にするそまつにするNeutralThe opposite of putting something to good use: treating it carelessly or without respect, not treasuring it.

Use 「役立てる」 when you put something or your experience to work so it helps in some situation, as in 「経験を仕事に役立てる」. For making full use of something, say 「活用」; for ordinary use, 「使う」. The opposite is 「無駄にする」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 役やくに立たつようにする。間に合まにあわせる。
Kanji in this word

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android