usar
/uˈsaɾ/
The Spanish verb usar means to use.
usar is used to describe the act of employing an object or a tool to achieve a specific goal.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present indicative, the first-person singular form is uso (I use / I am using). In the preterite tense, the third-person singular form is usó (he/she/it used).
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- When talking about wearing clothes or accessories, usar is common in Latin America, but speakers in Spain typically use the verb llevar.
- In some legal and historical contexts, the term usufructo (usufruct) describes the right to usar and enjoy the profits of a property that belongs to someone else.
- The Spanish word usar is a cognate of the English word 'use', as both descend from the same Latin root ūsāre.
Examples in context
- Por favor, utilice esta herramienta correctamentePlease use this tool correctly
- La empresa emplea nueva tecnologíaThe company uses new technology
- Aprovechamos este recurso para mejorar nuestro trabajoWe use this resource to enhance our work
- ¿Puedo usar tu teléfono?Can I use your phone?
- Yo usoI use
- Tú usasYou use
- Ellos usaronThey used
- Uso el martillo para clavar el clavo.I use the hammer to drive the nail.
- No quiero usar mi nueva computadora todavía.I don't want to use my new computer yet.
- ¿Puedo usar tus tijeras un momento?Can I use your scissors for a moment?
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are in a workshop.
- AlejandroLucía, ¿puedes usar esa llave inglesa?Lucía, can you use that wrench?
- LucíaSí, la voy a usar ahora mismo.Yes, I am going to use it right now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, gracias por ayudarme.Perfect, thanks for helping me.
- LucíaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries usar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
