堪用 is an adjective meaning 'usable' or 'serviceable'—indicating that something is in sufficient condition to serve its intended purpose. The character 堪 (kān) means 'to bear', 'to withstand', or 'to be fit for', while 用 (yòng) means 'to use'. Together, they literally convey 'fit to be used'. This term carries a formal, slightly literary tone and is often used in written Chinese or in contexts where quality, reliability, or functional adequacy is being assessed—such as evaluating tools, equipment, documents, or even human capabilities.

It is commonly found in official reports, technical evaluations, or careful speech (e.g., '这台机器是否堪用？'), and rarely appears in casual conversation. Unlike the more colloquial 可用 (kě yòng), 堪用 implies a higher threshold: not just 'can be used', but 'meets minimum standards for actual use'. It may also appear in negative constructions like 不堪用 (bù kān yòng), meaning 'unusable' or 'not up to standard'.