usan
“usan” means “they use” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
they use, you (all) use
Also: they utilize, they employ
📝 In Action
Mis vecinos usan mucha electricidad en invierno.
A1My neighbors use a lot of electricity in the winter.
Ustedes usan el autobús para ir a trabajar, ¿verdad?
A2You all use the bus to go to work, right?
Los niños usan las tabletas para sus clases virtuales.
A1The children use tablets for their virtual classes.
they wear
Also: you (all) wear
📝 In Action
Ellas usan faldas largas y sombreros en verano.
A2They wear long skirts and hats in the summer.
Los doctores usan uniformes blancos en el hospital.
B1The doctors wear white uniforms in the hospital.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: usan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'usan' in its meaning of 'to wear'?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *ūsāre*, which means 'to use' or 'to be accustomed to using'. It is a very direct descendant, retaining its original core meaning.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish texts.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'usan' used in the past tense?
No, 'usan' is strictly the present tense form. The past tense (preterite) equivalents are 'usaron' (they/you all used) or 'usaban' (they/you all were using/used to use).
How do I know if 'usan' means 'they use' or 'you all use'?
Context usually makes it clear. If the subject is 'los estudiantes' (the students), it means 'they use'. If you are directly speaking to a group and say 'Ustedes usan...', it means 'you all use'.