Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| utiliser | /y.ti.li.ze/ |
| se servir (de) |
Both forms mean to employ or apply something. Utiliser is a direct translation of 'to use' and often focuses on the utility or the specific function of an object. The noun utilisation refers to the act of using something, while usage refers to the way something is used or a custom, such as the usage of a word. Other related nouns include emploi and utilité (usefulness).
Which one should you use?
Utiliser is a direct translation of 'to use', but se servir (de) is a very common idiomatic way to express using a tool or an object in everyday spoken French. While utiliser is a direct translation, se servir (de) is more common in general conversation about using things.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Se servir (de) is a pronominal verb that requires the preposition de before the object being used.
How do you pronounce it?
Utiliser is pronounced /y.ti.li.ze/ and has 4 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using the phrase se servir, do not forget to include the preposition de.
Did you know?
- The phrase se servir de literally translates to 'to serve oneself with'. It treats the user as someone being served by the tool they are employing.
- The verb utiliser is a loanword from the Italian utilizzare. It was adopted into French rather than being developed from the language's own Old French roots.
- In French, if you say you 'use' a person by saying utiliser quelqu'un, it often carries a negative connotation of exploitation, whereas se servir de quelqu'un can imply using someone's skills or help.
Examples in context
- Puis-je utiliser ceci ?May I use this?This sentence is useful for asking permission to use an object with utiliser.Tatoeba #4682337 by sacredceltic, translation #54956 by CK
- Lequel vas-tu utiliser ?Which one are you going to use?This sentence is useful for asking which object someone will use with utiliser.Tatoeba #11240113 by lbdx, translation #619663 by ulyssemc1
- Tu peux utiliser le mien.You can use mine.This sentence is useful for telling someone they are allowed to use your object with utiliser.Tatoeba #3271416 by nimfeo, translation #3271415 by CK
- Je vais utiliser une calculatrice pour faire mes calculsI am going to use a calculator to do my calculations
- Nous devons employer cette technique pour résoudre le problèmeWe need to use this technique to solve the problem
- Je vais me servir de cette occasion pour améliorer mes compétencesI am going to use this opportunity to enhance my skills
- Je vais me servir de ton vélo pour aller au parcI am going to use your bike to go to the park
- J'ai utilisé mon téléphone pour envoyer un message.I used my phone to send a message.
- Elle emploie cette méthode pour résoudre le problème.She uses this method to solve the problem.
- Je vais me servir de tes suggestions pour améliorer mon projet.I am going to use your suggestions to enhance my project.
- 409 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are in the kitchen.
- EmmaEst-ce que je peux utiliser ton mixeur ?Can I use your blender?
- GabrielOui, bien sûr Emma, sers-toi.Yes, of course Emma, go ahead.
- EmmaMerci, je vais l'utiliser pour mon smoothie.Thanks, I'm going to use it for my smoothie.
- GabrielPas de problème, Gabriel t'aidera à le laver.No problem, Gabriel will help you wash it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “use” translations and entries utiliser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries se, servir, utiliser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
