How to say "Use" in Japanese

When translating "use" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 利用する and 参考にする. In Japanese, 利用する (りようする (riyō suru)) is typically associated with "to use, to make use of" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Often implies making good use of something, or taking advantage of a service or facility. More formal than 使う. On the other hand, 参考にする (さんこうにする (sankou ni suru)) maps to "to use as reference, to refer to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To use information or examples from something to help make a decision or create something new. Often implies not copying directly but drawing inspiration.. A literal translation of "use" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!