emplear
“emplear” means “to use” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to use
Also: to spend, to utilize
📝 In Action
Debes emplear las herramientas adecuadas para arreglar la silla.
A2You should use the right tools to fix the chair.
Empleamos mucho tiempo en este proyecto.
B1We spent a lot of time on this project.
Es necesario emplear un lenguaje claro en la reunión.
B2It is necessary to use clear language in the meeting.
to employ
Also: to hire
📝 In Action
La fábrica emplea a más de quinientas personas.
B1The factory employs more than five hundred people.
Es difícil emplear a jóvenes sin experiencia previa.
B2It is difficult to hire young people without previous experience.
Si me emplean, empezaré el lunes.
B1If they hire me, I will start on Monday.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
🔀 Commonly Confused With
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: emplear
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'I use my time well'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'implicare', which meant to 'fold in' or 'involve'. Over time, it evolved to mean involving someone in a task or involving a tool in a job.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'emplear' more formal than 'usar'?
Yes, 'emplear' is slightly more formal and often suggests a more deliberate or productive use of something compared to the very common 'usar'.
Does 'empleado' always mean an employee?
As a noun, yes. However, as the past participle of the verb, it can also mean 'used' (e.g., 'el tiempo empleado' - the time used).
Can I use 'emplear' for money?
It is less common than 'gastar' (to spend) for money, but you can use it if you are talking about 'investing' or 'allocating' funds for a specific purpose.