usable
/ˈjuːzəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈjuːzəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈyü-zə-bəl/ (ame, mw)
usable — 形容詞
1. Available for someone to use, either because it is free, working, or accessible.
可用
能夠被使用的
Available for someone to use, either because it is free, working, or accessible.
Gita checked whether the library computers were still usable before her class started.
Gita 在上課前確認了圖書館的電腦是否仍可使用。
be + still + usable — common pattern after repair or checking
The old fire escape was rusty but remained usable in an emergency.
舊的逃生梯雖然生鏽，但在緊急時仍然可用。
Only three of the five camping stoves were found to be usable after the winter.
過完冬天後，五個露營爐當中只有三個還能用。
Theo asked if the spare room would be usable for his visiting aunt.
Theo 問那間空房是否可供他來訪的姑媽使用。
The free trial period made the software usable for two weeks without payment.
免費試用期讓這套軟體在兩週內無須付費即可使用。
- available
Emphasises that something is free and ready, not that it works; 'available' is broader.
- functional
More specific — focuses on whether the thing works properly, not just whether it can be accessed.
- serviceable
More formal; implies adequate but not excellent condition, often for equipment.
文法句型
be usable
remain usable
become usable
用法筆記
Often appears with adverbs of time or condition such as 'still', 'barely', 'no longer', or 'perfectly'. The opposite 'unusable' is very common for saying something cannot be used at all.
常見錯誤
2. Designed or arranged so that people can work with it easily and without trouble.
好用；便利
設計上方便操作的
Designed or arranged so that people can work with it easily and without trouble.
Hamza designed a simple interface that made the app usable for elderly patients.
Hamza 設計了一個簡單的操作介面，讓年長病患也能輕鬆使用該應用程式。
make + object + usable for [group]
The new kitchen layout is more usable because the shelves stay within easy reach.
新的廚房動線更加好用，因為所有架子都伸手可及。
Adaeze found the website usable once she learned where the menu was hidden.
Adaeze 知道選單藏在哪裡之後，就覺得這個網站還蠻好用的。
A smartphone with extra-large buttons stays usable for people with poor eyesight.
按鍵特別大的智慧型手機對視力不好的人來說仍然便利好用。
- user-friendly
More specific — describes software, devices, or services that are easy for beginners.
- convenient
Broader — also covers location, timing, and general helpfulness, not just ease of use.
- practical
Focuses on effectiveness for a real purpose rather than on ease of handling.
- awkward
Describes something that is difficult to handle or operate.
- inconvenient
Implies the design makes the task harder rather than easier.
文法句型
be usable
find something usable
make something usable
用法筆記
Subject is typically a designed object, space, or system — a tool, website, app, room, or layout. This sense focuses on convenience and ease, not on whether the item works at all.
3. In good enough condition to serve its normal purpose, even if the item is old, w
堪用；尚可用
雖舊或有瑕疵仍可正常使用
In good enough condition to serve its normal purpose, even if the item is old, worn, or not perfect.
Hoa's bicycle was battered but still usable for her short commute to school.
Hoa 的自行車雖然破舊，但她騎去學校的短程通勤仍然堪用。
still usable — old but adequate
The chef decided the cracked chopping board was no longer usable.
主廚認為那塊已經裂開的砧板不能再用了。
Piotr kept his grandfather's toolbox because the old hammer was still usable.
Piotr 保留了祖父的工具箱，因為那把舊鎚子還堪用。
The tent had a small tear but remained usable for dry-weather camping.
帳篷破了個小洞，但在乾燥天氣露營依然堪用。
The secondhand sofa was faded on one side but perfectly usable in the living room.
那張二手沙發有一側褪色了，但放在客廳裡還是完全能用。
- serviceable
More formal; often used for equipment that works adequately but not perfectly.
- functional
Focuses on whether the item works, not on cosmetic condition.
- working
Informal; simply means the item operates as intended.
文法句型
be usable
remain usable
stay usable
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (AVAILABLE FOR USE): sense 3 implies the item is already present and in your possession but shows some wear or damage. Sense 1 asks whether the item is accessible or working at all. This sense is common in discussions about secondhand goods, repairs, and resource management.