usé
/use/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I used" is translated into Spanish as usé.
usé is used to express that you employed or utilized something for a specific purpose in the past.
Which one should you use?
While usé refers to a completed action in the past, the form usaba is used to describe habitual actions or ongoing states in the past (e.g., "I used to use" or "I was using").
How does it change in a sentence?
The form usé is the first-person singular indicative preterite of the verb usar.
How do you pronounce it?
/use/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid forgetting the accent mark on the final é. Omitting it can change the pronunciation and potentially the meaning to a different tense or person.
Did you know?
- The verb usar can be used for clothing, so if you say usé una camisa, you are not just saying you 'used' a shirt, but that you 'wore' it.
- In some Latin American countries, saying usar in the context of a person can imply taking advantage of someone, making the phrase lo usé sound more manipulative than the English 'I used him'.
- The verb usar shares a root with the English word 'usury', referring to the practice of lending money at high interest rates, derived from the Latin 'usura' meaning 'use'.
Examples in context
- Usé la palabra incorrecta.I used the wrong word.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the word usé when referring to choosing an incorrect word.Tatoeba #9182889 by ignacio, translation #3818490 by CK
- Usé su cuerpo decapitado como escudo.I used his beheaded body as a shield.This sentence demonstrates the use of usé in a descriptive, albeit dark, context.Tatoeba #1538814 by marcelostockle, translation #1538635 by corvard
- Usé mi imaginación para predecir el futuro.I used my imagination to predict the future.This sentence illustrates how to use usé when describing the application of a mental faculty.Tatoeba #4533529 by cueyayotl, translation #9882275 by DJ_Saidez
- Yo utilicé la computadora para completar el informeI used the computer to complete the report
- Yo empleé mucho tiempo en la preparación de la presentaciónI used a lot of time in the preparation of the presentation
- Yo usé el transporte público para llegar al trabajoI used public transportation to get to work
- Yo usaba gafas de sol todos los días cuando vivía en una zona soleadaI used to wear sunglasses every day when I lived in a sunny area
- Yo solía usar el metro para ir al centro de la ciudadI used to use the subway to go downtown
- Yo acostumbraba usar el coche para ir a la playa los fines de semanaI used to use the car to go to the beach on weekends
- Cuando visité Madrid, solía usar el metro para desplazarmeWhen I visited Madrid, I used to use the subway to get around
- En mi antiguo trabajo, acostumbraba usar un traje y corbata todos los díasIn my previous job, I used to wear a suit and tie every day
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro is asking María about a tool she used in the kitchen.
- MaríaUsé el cuchillo nuevo para el pan.I used the new knife for the bread.
- Alejandro¿Te sirvió bien, María?Did it work well for you, María?
- MaríaSí, es muy afilado.Yes, it is very sharp.
- AlejandroMe alegra que te haya gustado.I'm glad you liked it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
