Meaning

Primary

To Be Useful

Alternatives

To Be Of Use, To Be Helpful, To Be Of Service

Word Type

godan verb

Explanation

When you stand up to do your duty you're standing up and finally being useful. That's why this verb means to be useful.

Reading

やくにたつ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading for is the one you learned with the kanji. The 立つ reading is that of the 立つ vocabulary, which you should be familiar with by now.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 少し役に立つ

    to be a little useful

    とても役に立つ

    to be very useful

    必ず役に立つ

    to certainly be useful

Context Sentences

マスキングテープは、色々なことの役に立つ。

Masking tape is useful for various things.

山下先生の助言は、人生の役に立つ。

Yamashita-sensei's advice is helpful for life.

あまりお役に立てず、すみませんでした。

I'm sorry that I couldn't be much help.

Kanji Composition