usamos
oo-SAH-mos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Nosotros usamos este programa para editar fotos.
A1We use this program to edit photos.
Usamos mucho tiempo en preparar la cena.
A2We spend a lot of time preparing dinner. (Literally: We use a lot of time...)
Si usamos menos papel, ayudaremos al medio ambiente.
B1If we use less paper, we will help the environment.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'We' Form
This form, 'usamos,' is how you say 'we use' or 'we are using' in the present tense. It is always used with 'nosotros' (we), even if you often drop the pronoun.
Regular Verb Pattern
Since 'usar' is a regular -AR verb, 'usamos' follows the standard pattern: you take the stem 'us-' and add the 'nosotros' ending '-amos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Present and Past
Mistake: "Using 'usamos' when you mean 'we used' in a past context (e.g., yesterday)."
Correction: 'Usamos' means 'we use' (present) AND 'we used' (simple past/preterite). You must rely on time words (ayer, la semana pasada) or context to know which one is meant.
⭐ Usage Tips
Time Saver
In Spanish, the verb ending tells you who is doing the action, so you rarely need to say 'Nosotros usamos.' Just saying 'Usamos' is perfectly natural.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: usamos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means that the action happened last week?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'usamos' present tense or past tense?
'Usamos' is tricky because it is both! In the present tense, it means 'we use' (Present Indicative). In the simple past tense (Preterite), it also means 'we used.' You must look at the context or time markers to understand which meaning is intended.
Do I need to say 'nosotros' before 'usamos'?
No, you almost never need to say 'nosotros.' The '-amos' ending clearly indicates that 'we' are the ones performing the action, making the pronoun optional.