Which one should you use?
While no usar serves as a general instruction, other forms are used depending on whom you are addressing. For a direct command to a single person in a formal setting, you use no use. If you are telling a friend or someone you know well not to use something, you use the imperative form no uses. When addressing a group of people, the command form becomes no usen. Additionally, No Utilizar is a formal way to express 'do not use' and Abstenerse de Usar is a formal way to express 'do not use' and conveys a stronger sense of prohibition.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase no usar is an infinitive used for general instructions, but if you are giving a direct command to a single person in a formal setting, you use no use.
How do you pronounce it?
/no usaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word no in Spanish shares its origin with the Latin word for 'not', but it can also be a contraction of the Latin word for 'number', which is 'numero'.
- The formal alternative abstenerse de usar doesn't just mean 'do not use', but literally translates to 'abstain from using', implying a conscious choice to avoid the action.
- In some contexts, utilizar is used instead of usar to suggest a more technical, professional or strategic application of a tool.
Examples in context
- Se ruega a todos los empleados abstenerse de usar este acceso no autorizado.All employees are requested to refrain from using this unauthorized entrance.
- Oye, no uses mi bicicleta sin permiso, ¿vale?Hey, don't use my bike without permission, alright?
- Por favor, evita utilizar los alimentos de otras personas sin permiso.Please avoid using other people's food without permission.
- No usar este elevador.Do not use this elevator.
- No usar el ascensor hoy.Do not use the elevator today.
- Es mejor no usar este método.It is better not to use this method.
- No usar la puerta trasera.Do not use the back door.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in a chemistry lab.
- AlejandroLucía, mira el cartel: no usar este equipo.Lucía, look at the sign: do not use this equipment.
- LucíaOh, no lo había visto.Oh, I hadn't seen it.
- AlejandroEstá roto y es peligroso.It is broken and dangerous.
- LucíaGracias por avisarme, Alejandro.Thanks for letting me know, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, usar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
