uso
/oo-soh/
use
When used as a noun, uso means 'use' or 'usage,' referring to the act of employing something.
uso(noun)
use
?The act of employing something
,usage
?How something is typically handled or utilized
custom
?Traditional practice or habit
,application
?Specific way something is put to work
📝 In Action
Dale un buen uso a ese regalo.
A1Make good use of that gift.
El manual explica el correcto uso de la máquina.
A2The manual explains the correct usage of the machine.
Esta es una palabra de uso común en la región.
B1This is a commonly used word in the region (a word of common use).
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though 'uso' ends in 'o', which often signals masculine words, remember it's always preceded by 'el' or 'un'. (e.g., El uso, un uso).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Verb
Mistake: "Using 'uso' (noun) when the verb form is needed: 'Yo hago uso la computadora.'"
Correction: Use the verb 'usar': 'Yo uso la computadora.' (I use the computer.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Combining with Prepositions
When talking about how something is used, you often need the preposition 'de': 'Las reglas de uso' (The rules of use).
As a verb form, uso means 'I use' (first-person singular present tense).
uso(verb)
I use
?First-person singular, present tense
I wear
?Referring to clothing or accessories (regional)
📝 In Action
Yo uso la bicicleta para ir al trabajo.
A1I use the bike to go to work.
Uso anteojos solo para leer.
A2I wear glasses only for reading.
Uso este ejemplo para clarificar mi punto.
B1I use this example to clarify my point.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -ar Verb
This verb is very predictable! To use it, simply follow the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, like 'hablar' or 'caminar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Usage vs. Wearing
While 'usar' means 'to use,' it often translates to 'to wear' when talking about clothes or accessories (like 'Uso zapatos rojos').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: uso
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es la traducción correcta de la siguiente frase: 'El buen uso del tiempo es crucial'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'uso' means 'use' (noun) or 'I use' (verb)?
Look at the words around it. If it has 'el' or 'un' before it (e.g., 'el uso'), it's the masculine noun. If it appears at the start of a sentence or after 'yo' and describes an action, it's the verb form.
Is 'utilizar' the same as 'usar'?
They are synonyms! 'Usar' is much more common and simpler for daily chat (A1 level). 'Utilizar' (to utilize) is slightly more formal but can be used interchangeably.