Inklingo
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utiliza

oo-tee-LEE-sah

uses?He, she, it, or you (formal) uses,use!?Informal command to 'tú'
Also:employs?He, she, or you (formal) employs,utilizes?He, she, or you (formal) utilizes

Quick Reference

infinitiveutilizar
gerundutilizando
past Participleutilizado

📝 In Action

Mi jefe utiliza la bicicleta todos los días.

A1

My boss uses the bicycle every day.

Ella siempre utiliza el diccionario cuando estudia.

A1

She always uses the dictionary when she studies.

¡Utiliza tu tiempo libre para leer!

A2

Use your free time to read!

¿Usted utiliza este software para diseñar?

A2

Do you (formal) use this software for designing?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • usa (uses (from usar))
  • emplea (employs)

Common Collocations

  • utiliza la tecnologíauses the technology
  • utiliza su influenciauses his/her influence

💡 Grammar Points

Dual Function of 'Utiliza'

This single word serves two main purposes: 1. To state what 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or the formal 'you' (usted) does now. 2. To give an informal command to 'you' (tú).

Regular Verb Pattern

Since 'utilizar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common Spanish conjugation pattern, making it easy to predict other forms like 'utilizamos' (we use).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Subject Pronoun

Mistake: "Él utiliza."

Correction: Utiliza. (The subject 'él' or 'ella' is usually left out because the verb ending already tells you who is doing the action.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Choosing 'Utilizar' vs. 'Usar'

'Utilizar' and 'usar' both mean 'to use.' 'Utilizar' often sounds slightly more formal or technical, especially when talking about systems or resources.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: utiliza

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'utiliza' as a command?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

utilizar(to use (infinitive)) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'utiliza' the same as 'usa'?

Yes, they both mean 'uses' or 'use!' 'Utilizar' and 'usar' are synonyms. 'Utilizar' is often chosen when the context is more formal, technical, or involves complex processes, but you can use either one in daily speech.

How do I know if 'utiliza' means 'he uses' or 'use!'?

You figure it out from the context and punctuation! If it has an exclamation point (¡Utiliza!), it's a command. If it's part of a regular sentence, it means 'he/she/it uses' or 'you (formal) use.'