reutilizar
/reutiliˈθaɾ/
To repurpose in Spanish is reutilizar.
The verb is used to describe the act of reusing something, either with or without making alterations to it.
Meaning: reuse with or without alteration (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
In the word reutilizar, the prefix re- functions the same as the English prefix 're-', meaning 'again'.
Which one should you use?
While reutilizar is the most common translation for repurpose, it focuses more on the act of using something again. If the focus is specifically on changing the function of an object, you might use reconvertir.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and various Latin American countries, the phrase Darle otro uso is commonly used to describe repurposing something.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb reutilizar is reutilización, which means repurposing or reuse.
How do you pronounce it?
/reutiliˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you are repurposing a building or a commercial space, you will often hear the term rehabilitar rather than reutilizar.
- While reutilizar is the standard term, a Spaniard might use the more colloquial reciclar even if they are not literally recycling material, simply to mean 'to repurpose' or 'to upcycle'.
- The core of reutilizar comes from the Latin uti, which means 'to use'. This is the same ancestor that gave English the word 'utility'.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes cómo reusar estas botellas de vidrio?Do you know how to repurpose these glass bottles?
- Podemos reutilizar estas cajas de madera.We can repurpose these wooden boxes.
- Ella quiere reutilizar su antigua oficina.She wants to repurpose her old office.
- Es mejor reutilizar los materiales de construcción.It is better to repurpose the building materials.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are cleaning out the garage.
- MaríaMateo, ¿vamos a tirar este mueble viejo?Mateo, are we going to throw away this old piece of furniture?
- MateoNo, creo que podemos reutilizarlo como estantería.No, I think we can repurpose it as a bookshelf.
- MaríaEs una idea genial para ahorrar dinero.That is a great idea to save money.
- MateoSolo necesitamos un poco de pintura blanca.We just need a bit of white paint.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry reutilizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reutilizar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
