útil
/OO-teel/
useful
When used as an adjective, útil means useful or helpful. The watering can is being useful by nourishing the plant.
útil(adjective)
useful
?helpful; serving a purpose
helpful
?beneficial
,serviceable
?still working well
📝 In Action
Este diccionario es muy útil para los estudiantes de español.
A1This dictionary is very useful for Spanish students.
Tu consejo fue muy útil, pude resolver el problema.
A2Your advice was very helpful; I was able to solve the problem.
La habilidad de programar es una cualidad muy útil hoy en día.
B1The ability to program is a very useful skill nowadays.
💡 Grammar Points
Invariable Form
The word 'útil' itself is the same whether the noun it describes is masculine (el libro útil) or feminine (la información útil). It only changes to plural: 'útiles'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'
Mistake: "La herramienta está útil."
Correction: La herramienta es útil. We use 'ser' (es) when describing a permanent characteristic or nature of something—it is, by nature, useful.
⭐ Usage Tips
Intensify It
To say 'extremely useful,' Spanish speakers often use the superlative form: 'utilísimo/a' (e.g., 'Este cargador es utilísimo').
As a noun, útil translates to tool or implement. This hammer is an example of an útil.
📝 In Action
El carpintero siempre lleva su útil principal consigo.
B1The carpenter always carries his main tool with him.
Necesito comprar útiles escolares para mis hijos.
B1I need to buy school supplies for my children. (Note: Plural form 'útiles' is very common here)
💡 Grammar Points
The Plural is Key
While 'útil' (singular) means 'a tool,' you will hear the plural 'útiles' much more often when referring to a collection of items used for a purpose, like school or office supplies.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: útil
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'útil' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make 'útil' plural?
To make 'útil' plural, you add '-es', resulting in 'útiles'. This applies both when it's describing multiple things (adjective: 'las ideas útiles') and when it's used as a noun ('los útiles escolares').