实用
shíyòng · HSK 4
practical
🔧 实 (solid/real) + 用 (use) = solid-use = practical
实 means real or solid; 用 means to use. Together: something with real, solid use — i.e. practical or functional. Compare 有用 (useful) and 实际 (actual).
用 — pictograph of a bucket or wooden pail
用 originally depicted a bucket or container, possibly a sacrificial vessel made of wood. Over time it was borrowed to mean 'to use' or 'employ,' losing its concrete object sense. The modern meaning 'use' has been standard since early classical Chinese.