utilizó
oo-tee-lee-SOH
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella utilizó una brújula para encontrar el camino.
A2She used a compass to find the way.
El arquitecto utilizó materiales reciclados.
B1The architect used recycled materials.
Usted utilizó su tiempo de manera muy sabia.
B1You (formal) used your time very wisely.
💡 Grammar Points
The Importance of the Accent
In Spanish, the accent on the last 'ó' is vital. It signals that the action happened in the past (the preterite tense) and was done by a third person like 'he,' 'she,' or 'it'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Utilizó vs. Utilizo
Mistake: "Using 'utilizo' when you mean 'he used'."
Correction: Use 'utilizó' (with an accent) for the past. 'Utilizo' (no accent) means 'I use' (right now).
⭐ Usage Tips
Sound More Precise
While 'usar' is the most common word for 'to use,' 'utilizar' sounds a bit more professional and is great for describing using resources, tools, or methods.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: utilizó
Question 1 of 1
What is the difference between 'utilizó' and 'utilizo'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'utilizó' always refer to a person?
Not necessarily! It can refer to a person (he/she), a formal 'you', or even an object like a company or a software that 'used' something.
Is 'utilizó' formal?
It is neutral but slightly more sophisticated than the word 'usó'.