utilizar Preterite Conjugation
utilizar — to use
The preterite of utilizar features a spelling change in the 'yo' form (utilicé) but is otherwise regular.
utilizar Preterite Forms
When to Use the Preterite
Use the preterite for specific instances where you used a tool, a resource, or a method at a definitive point in time.
Notes on utilizar in the Preterite
This is a -zar verb. In the 'yo' form, the 'z' changes to 'c' before the 'e' (utilicé) to maintain the soft 's' sound. All other forms are regular.
Example Sentences
Utilicé mi tarjeta de crédito para pagar la cena.
I used my credit card to pay for dinner.
yo
Ayer utilizamos un mapa para encontrar la ruta.
Yesterday we used a map to find the route.
nosotros
El arquitecto utilizó un programa nuevo para el diseño.
The architect used a new program for the design.
él/ella/usted
Common Mistakes
Mistake: utilizé
Correct: utilicé
Why: In Spanish, 'z' almost never appears before 'e' or 'i'; it must change to 'c'.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'utilizar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: utilizo
Utilizar is a regular -ar verb in the present tense: utilizo, utilizas, utiliza, utilizamos, utilizáis, utilizan.
Imperfect
yo: utilizaba
The imperfect of utilizar is regular: utilizaba, utilizabas, utilizaba, utilizábamos, utilizabais, utilizaban.
Future
yo: utilizaré
The future of utilizar is formed by adding endings to the infinitive: utilizaré, utilizarás, utilizará...
Conditional
yo: utilizaría
The conditional uses the infinitive as a base: utilizaría, utilizarías, utilizaría, utilizaríamos, utilizaríais, utilizarían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: utilice
The present subjunctive of utilizar changes the 'z' to 'c' in all forms: utilice, utilices, utilice, utilicemos, utilicéis, utilicen.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: utilizara
The imperfect subjunctive of utilizar is regular: utilizara, utilizaras, utilizara, utilizáramos, utilizarais, utilizaran.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: utiliza
The imperative uses 'utiliza' for 'tú' and 'utilice' for 'usted'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no utilices
Negative commands for utilizar always use the 'c' spelling: no utilices, no utilice, no utilicemos, no utilicéis, no utilicen.