uso
/ˈuso/
In Spanish, the phrase "I use" is translated as uso.
You may also use utilizo to say "I use", which often implies a more functional or instrumental use of a tool or resource.
Which one should you use?
For a more formal tone, you can use Yo empleo.
How does it change in a sentence?
uso is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb usar. Although yo means "I", it is often omitted because the form uso already indicates that the subject is "I".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuso/
Did you know?
- Using uso when referring to a substance or drug can imply a chronic addiction. To describe a single instance of use, speakers often choose a different verb to avoid this connotation.
- In Spanish, the noun uso can mean 'custom' or 'habit' in legal terms. The phrase por uso y costumbre describes actions taken simply because they have always been done that way.
- The Spanish word uso is a direct descendant of the Latin 'ūsus', which is the same root that gives English the word 'use'.
Examples in context
- Yo uso el tenedor.I use the fork.This sentence is useful for practicing how to say "I use" with the form uso.Tatoeba #4764241 by DarkHollow, translation #3926042 by gleki
- Lo uso todos los días.I use it every day.Tatoeba #452944 by Shishir, translation #261829 by CK
- Yo uso el traductor de Google.I use Google Translate.Tatoeba #2052055 by marcelostockle, translation #13616748 by araneo
- Yo utilizo un ordenador para trabajarI use a computer for work
- Yo empleo un teléfono móvil para hacer llamadasI use a mobile phone to make calls
- Yo uso un bolígrafo para escribirI use a pen to write
- Yo uso una bicicleta para ir al trabajoI use a bicycle to go to work
- Yo me valgo de mi sentido del humor para hacer amigosI make use of my sense of humor to make friends
- Yo suelo utilizar el transporte público para desplazarmeI usually use public transportation to get around
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about their morning routines.
- JavierYo uso el metro para ir al trabajo.I use the subway to go to work.
- Elena¿No prefieres caminar?Don't you prefer to walk?
- JavierNo, porque uso el tiempo para leer.No, because I use the time to read.
- ElenaEso es una muy buena idea, Javier.That is a very good idea, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries uso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
