Inklingo

usando

oo-SAHN-doh/uˈsan.do/

usando means using in Spanish (as in, I am using).

using

Also: by using
GerundA1regular ar
A close-up view of a hand holding a red pencil and actively drawing a simple blue circle on a piece of white paper.
infinitiveusar
gerundusando
past Participleusado

📝 In Action

Estamos usando la energía solar para calentar la casa.

A1

We are using solar energy to heat the house.

Ella resolvió el problema usando una calculadora.

A2

She solved the problem by using a calculator.

Llegó a la ciudad viajando y usando solo transporte público.

B1

He arrived in the city by traveling and using only public transportation.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar usandoto be using (present continuous)
  • seguir usandoto keep using

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "usando" in Spanish:

by usingusing

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: usando

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'usando' to show the *means* by which an action was completed?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

'Usando' comes from the Latin verb *ūtī*, meaning 'to use or employ.' It has passed down through Spanish as the verb *usar*, and the gerund form keeps the original meaning of employing something for a purpose.

First recorded: Medieval Latin

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: usandoItalian: usando

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'usando' change its ending depending on who is using something?

No. 'Usando' is a non-conjugated verb form (a gerund), so it is completely invariable. You use 'usando' regardless of whether the person doing the action is 'yo,' 'tú,' 'ellos,' or 'nosotros.' Only the helping verb *estar* changes: 'Yo estoy usando,' 'Ellos están usando.'