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usarla

oo-SAR-lah

Verb (Infinitive + Pronoun)A1regular ar
to use it (feminine object)?referring to 'la mesa' (the table) or 'la herramienta' (the tool),to use her?referring to a feminine person (formal context or specific regional usage)
Also:to wear it (feminine clothing)?referring to 'la camisa' (the shirt) or 'la falda' (the skirt),to employ her?referring to a female employee or a feminine resource

Quick Reference

infinitiveusar
gerundusando
past Participleusado

📝 In Action

La tarjeta de crédito está aquí. Puedes usarla cuando quieras.

A1

The credit card is here. You can use it whenever you want.

Esta es la nueva aplicación. Queremos enseñarte a usarla.

A2

This is the new application. We want to teach you how to use it.

Si la ves, tienes que convencerla de usarla para el proyecto.

B1

If you see her, you have to convince her to use it for the project.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • utilizarla (to utilize it)
  • emplearla (to employ it/her)

Common Collocations

  • poder usarla – to be able to use it (f)
  • querer usarla – to want to use it (f)

💡 Grammar Points

The Meaning of 'la'

The part 'la' means 'it' or 'her' and refers to a feminine person or thing you mentioned earlier, like 'la llave' (the key) or 'la casa' (the house).

Attaching the Pronoun

This form ('usarla') is mandatory when you stick the pronoun 'la' onto the end of the base verb (the infinitive). This happens when the verb is acting as the main action, often after verbs like 'querer' (to want) or 'poder' (to be able to).

The Written Accent

Notice the accent mark on the 'a' of 'usarla'. This is required because adding the pronoun changes the natural stress of the word, and the accent tells you to keep emphasizing the original syllable: u-SAR-la.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Pronoun Placement

Mistake: "Quiero la usar."

Correction: Quiero usarla. OR La quiero usar.

⭐ Usage Tips

Quick Check for Gender

If the thing you are using is masculine (like 'el teléfono'), you must change the pronoun to 'lo' (usarlo). If it's feminine, use 'la' (usarla).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: usarla

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'usarla'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'usarla' have an accent mark but 'usar' does not?

Spanish words that end in 'r' usually stress the last syllable (u-SAR). When you add the two-syllable pronoun 'la', the stress naturally shifts. The written accent ('usarla') is added to force the stress back onto the 'a' of 'usar', keeping the pronunciation consistent with the base verb.

If I am talking about 'el libro' (the book), which form should I use?

Since 'el libro' is masculine, you must change the pronoun 'la' to 'lo'. The correct form would be 'usarlo' (to use it).