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How to Say "to use" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to use” is “usar” — use 'usar' for the most common, everyday situations involving objects, tools, or methods without any special emphasis.

English → Spanish

usar

oo-SARuˈsaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'usar' for the most common, everyday situations involving objects, tools, or methods without any special emphasis.
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).

emplear

em-pleh-AHRem.ple.ˈaɾ

verbA2general
Choose 'emplear' when referring to the application of a tool, method, or resource, often implying a purposeful or skillful application.
A person using a wooden spoon to stir a large pot of soup.

Examples

Debes emplear las herramientas adecuadas para arreglar la silla.

You should use the right tools to fix the chair.

Empleamos mucho tiempo en este proyecto.

We spent a lot of time on this project.

Es necesario emplear un lenguaje claro en la reunión.

It is necessary to use clear language in the meeting.

Use with Time

Unlike English where you 'spend' time, in Spanish you can 'employ' time to sound more productive or formal.

Formal Tone

Use 'emplear' instead of 'usar' when you want to sound a bit more professional or precise.

Confusing 'Gastar' and 'Emplear'

Mistake: “Gasto mucho tiempo en estudiar.”

Correction: Empleo mucho tiempo en estudiar. (Gastar implies wasting; emplear implies a purposeful use).

utilizar

oo-tee-lee-SAHRutiliˈθaɾ

verbB2general
Opt for 'utilizar' when the focus is on making practical use of an object or tool, often highlighting its utility or a specific function.
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.

recurrir

rreh-koo-rreerrekuˈrir

verbB1general
Use 'recurrir a' specifically when you are turning to or resorting to a person, resource, or method as a solution to a problem.
A child reaching out to hold an adult's hand for support.

Examples

Cuando tengo problemas de dinero, recurro a mis padres.

When I have money problems, I turn to my parents.

No queremos recurrir a la violencia.

We don't want to resort to violence.

Tuve que recurrir a un diccionario para entender la carta.

I had to use a dictionary to understand the letter.

The mandatory 'A'

When you turn to a person or a thing for help, you MUST use the word 'a' after the verb. Think of it as 'resorting TO'.

Regular Pattern

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ir, making it very predictable to conjugate.

Missing the 'a'

Mistake: “Recurro mi hermano.”

Correction: Recurro a mi hermano. (Always include 'a' when turning to someone.)

General vs. Specific 'To Use'

Learners often overuse 'usar' for all situations. Remember that 'emplear' and 'utilizar' suggest a more deliberate or practical application of a tool or method, while 'recurrir a' implies seeking a solution or help.

Related Translations

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