Inklingo

How to Say "to use" in Spanish

English → Spanish

usar

/oo-SAR//uˈsaɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'usar' when referring to the general act of employing an object, tool, method, or even abstract concepts in everyday situations.
A cartoon person using a red hammer to hit a nail into a wooden board, demonstrating the act of using a tool.

Examples

Uso mi teléfono para llamar a mis amigos.

I use my phone to call my friends.

¿Puedo usar tu bolígrafo un momento?

Can I use your pen for a moment?

Para este postre, usamos tres huevos y mucha azúcar.

For this dessert, we use three eggs and a lot of sugar.

Always Use *Something*

Think of 'usar' as needing a partner. You always use something. For example, 'Yo uso el martillo' (I use the hammer). The hammer is the thing receiving the action.

Using it for Consuming

Mistake: “No debes usar todo el papel.”

Correction: In contexts of consuming or using up something completely, 'gastar' is often better: 'No debes gastar todo el papel' (You shouldn't use up all the paper).

utilizar

oo-tee-lee-SAHR/utiliˈθaɾ/

VerbB2General
Opt for 'utilizar' when emphasizing the specific application or skillful employment of a tool or object to achieve a particular purpose.
A friendly cartoon character is actively using a bright red shovel to dig into a patch of brown dirt in a garden.

Examples

Necesitas utilizar la llave correcta para abrir esa puerta.

You need to use the correct key to open that door.

El equipo decidió utilizar un nuevo software para gestionar el proyecto.

The team decided to utilize new software to manage the project.

Si utilizamos bien los recursos naturales, podremos evitar problemas futuros.

If we utilize natural resources well, we will be able to avoid future problems.

Spelling Change for ZAR verbs

When conjugating verbs that end in -zar, the 'z' changes to a 'c' whenever it comes before the vowels 'e' or 'i'. This happens in the 'yo' preterite (utilicé) and all present subjunctive forms (utilice, utilices, etc.).

Confusing 'Utilizar' and 'Usar'

Mistake: “Using 'utilizar' in very casual, everyday conversation, such as 'Voy a utilizar el baño.'”

Correction: While not strictly wrong, 'usar' is much more common and natural for simple, everyday objects or actions. 'Voy a usar el baño.' Use 'utilizar' when talking about resources, strategies, or in writing.

Choosing Between Usar and Utilizar

Learners often overuse 'utilizar' because it sounds more formal or advanced. However, 'usar' is far more common for everyday actions. Reserve 'utilizar' for when you want to highlight the specific purpose or skillful application of something.

Related Translations

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