usan
/OO-sahn/
they use
Usan (they use) tools to work together in the garden.
usan(verb)
they use
?referring to a group of people or things
,you (all) use
?formal plural address (ustedes)
they utilize
?more formal usage
,they employ
?referring to methods or resources
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Who is 'usan'?
This form always refers to a group: 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all, formal or informal in most of Latin America).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Usan' and 'Usamos'
Mistake: "Using 'usan' when you mean 'we use' (nosotros)."
Correction: Remember 'usan' is for 'they/you all'. For 'we use', you need 'usamos'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Use
Unlike English, 'usar' usually goes straight to the thing being used without needing extra prepositions like 'of' or 'for'.
Usan (they wear) warm scarves and hats on a cold day.
usan(verb)
they wear
?referring to clothes, accessories, or makeup
you (all) wear
?formal plural address (ustedes)
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Wearing vs. Using
In Spanish, the same verb 'usar' covers both concepts. Think of wearing a shirt as 'using' it on your body.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing 'Vestir'
Mistake: "Saying 'Ellos visten un casco' (They dress a helmet)."
Correction: Use 'usan' for specific items like accessories, safety gear, or makeup: 'Ellos usan un casco' (They wear a helmet).
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Choice
In many regions, especially Spain, 'llevar' is often preferred for general clothing, but 'usar' is always correct for specific items like glasses, watches, or uniforms.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: usan
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'usan' in its meaning of 'to wear'?
📚 More Resources
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'.