¿Puedo usar eso?
The English phrase "can I use that?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Puedo usar eso?
Which one should you use?
Depending on the location of the object, you may choose a different word for "that". Use ¿Puedo usar esto? if the object is physically close to you, the speaker. Use ¿Puedo usar eso? if the object is at a neutral distance or near the listener. If the object is much further away from both you and the listener, use ¿Puedo usar aquello?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ¿Puedo usar eso? uses the first-person singular conjugation of the verb poder (to be able to/can) followed by the infinitive usar (to use).
Did you know?
- If you are asking to use a tool or a piece of equipment, a native speaker might use the phrase ¿Me prestas eso?, which literally means 'will you lend me that?'
- The word eso is a neuter pronoun used for objects whose names you do not know or cannot remember. If you knew the name of the object, you would have to change the gender to match it.
- The word eso shares its roots with the Latin ipsum, which means 'itself'. This is the same root found in the English word 'id est' or 'i.e.'.
Example conversation
Mateo is in the kitchen and sees a tool Maria is holding.
- Mateo¿Puedo usar eso?Can I use that?
- MaríaSí, Mateo, puedes usarlo.Yes, Mateo, you can use it.
- MateoMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
- MaríaDe nada.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eso, usar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
