usar
/oo-SAR/
to use
Usar: to use (a tool or object).
usar(Verb)
to use
?for a tool, object, or method
to utilize
?a more formal alternative
,to employ
?for a technique or strategy
📝 In Action
Uso mi teléfono para llamar a mis amigos.
A1I use my phone to call my friends.
¿Puedo usar tu bolígrafo un momento?
A1Can I use your pen for a moment?
Para este postre, usamos tres huevos y mucha azúcar.
A2For this dessert, we use three eggs and a lot of sugar.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Use *Something*
Think of 'usar' as needing a partner. You always use something. For example, 'Yo uso el martillo' (I use the hammer). The hammer is the thing receiving the action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it for Consuming
Mistake: "No debes usar todo el papel."
Correction: In contexts of consuming or using up something completely, 'gastar' is often better: 'No debes gastar todo el papel' (You shouldn't use up all the paper).
⭐ Usage Tips
'Utilizar' is a Bit Fancier
'Usar' is your everyday, go-to word. 'Utilizar' means the same thing but sounds more formal or technical, like something you'd see in an instruction manual.
Usar: to wear (clothing or accessories).
usar(Verb)
to wear
?for clothing, glasses, perfume, etc.
to have on
?describing what someone is currently wearing
📝 In Action
Hoy uso una chaqueta roja porque hace frío.
A2I'm wearing a red jacket today because it's cold.
Mi abuelo ya no usa sombrero.
A2My grandfather doesn't wear a hat anymore.
¿Qué perfume usas? Huele muy bien.
B1What perfume are you wearing? It smells very good.
⭐ Usage Tips
Usar vs. Llevar
'Usar' and 'llevar' both mean 'to wear' and are often interchangeable. 'Llevar' can feel a bit more common in everyday speech in many places (especially Spain), but 'usar' is perfectly correct and understood everywhere.
Usarse: to be in fashion or customary.
usar(Pronominal Verb)
to be in fashion
?talking about trends
to be customary
?describing a common practice or tradition
,to be in use
?referring to something being currently used
📝 In Action
En los años 80 se usaban los peinados con mucho volumen.
B2In the 80s, hairstyles with a lot of volume were in fashion.
Ya no se usa mandar cartas por correo.
B1It's no longer customary to send letters by mail.
En mi pueblo se usa cenar muy tarde.
B2In my town, it's customary to have dinner very late.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'It Is Done' Feeling
When you see 'se usa' or 'se usan', the 'se' works like saying 'it is' or 'they are' in English. 'Se usa' means 'It is customary' or 'It is in fashion'. The focus is on the trend or custom, not on who is doing it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Singular or Plural?
Match the verb to the trend. If the thing in fashion is singular, use 'se usa' (Se usa este color). If it's plural, use 'se usan' (Se usan los pantalones anchos).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: usar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'usar' to mean 'to wear'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'usar' and 'llevar' for clothes?
Honestly, for 'to wear', they are very often interchangeable. Think of it like 'to begin' vs. 'to start' in English. 'Llevar' is very common in Spain, while 'usar' is very common in Latin America. If you're ever unsure, 'usar' is a safe and universally understood choice for 'to wear'.
Can I use 'usar' for people?
Be very careful! Saying you 'use' a person ('usar a una persona') has a strong negative meaning, implying you are manipulating or taking advantage of them. It's best to avoid it unless that is exactly what you mean.