útil
/ˈutil/
The English word useful is translated into Spanish as útil. Wiktionary also lists servir.
Meaning: having a practical or beneficial use (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| útil | /ˈutil/ |
| servir | /seɾˈbiɾ/ |
The word útil is an adjective used to describe something that has a practical or beneficial use. In certain contexts, you may use provechoso to mean beneficial, valioso to convey that something is worthwhile or beneficioso when referring to something that brings advantages.
Which one should you use?
While útil is the direct adjective for useful, you can also use the verb servir to express that something is useful or works by saying sirve.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of the adjective, add -es to the end to get útiles.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈutil/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish speaking countries, útiles is used as a shorthand term for school supplies, such as notebooks and pencils, rather than just describing them as 'useful'.
- The word provecho in provechoso is the root of the common mealtime wish ¡Buen provecho!, which is the equivalent of 'bon appétit'.
- The English word 'service' and the Spanish verb servir both originate from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to protect' or 'to serve'.
Examples in context
- Ya no es útil.It is no longer useful.This sentence shows how to use útil in the negative.Tatoeba #13649076 by Seael, translation #13649074 by Aghanim
- Es un libro muy útil.This is a very useful book.This sentence demonstrates using útil to describe a noun.Tatoeba #5047100 by don_ramon, translation #5047095 by mailohilohi
- Tomás quiere ser útil.Tom wants to be useful.This sentence shows how the adjective can describe a person's desire to be helpful.Tatoeba #5022785 by don_ramon, translation #5017598 by CK
- El diccionario es útil para aprender nuevos vocablos.The dictionary is useful for learning new words.
- El informe que presentaste fue muy útil para la reunión.The report you presented was very useful for the meeting.
- Es muy importante tener habilidades útiles para el trabajo.Having useful skills for the job is crucial.
- Este nuevo gadget que compré resultó ser muy práctico en mi día a día.This new gadget I bought turned out to be very useful in my daily life.
- El consejo que me diste fue realmente práctico.The advice you gave me was really useful.
- ¿Puedes recomendarme un libro práctico para aprender a cocinar?Can you recommend a useful book for learning to cook?
- Estas aplicaciones móviles son muy funcionales.These mobile apps are very useful.
- Tus comentarios fueron muy valiosos para mejorar el proyecto.Your comments were very useful in improving the project.
- 148 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a new app for organizing tasks.
- Alejandro¿Te parece útil esta aplicación?Do you find this application useful?
- LucíaSí, Alejandro, es muy útil para mi rutina.Yes, Alejandro, it is very useful for my routine.
- AlejandroMe alegra que te sirva tanto.I am glad it serves you so much.
- LucíaRealmente es una herramienta útil.It really is a useful tool.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “useful” translations and entries útil, servir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries servir, útil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
