Inklingo

How to Say "use" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “use” is “uso” — use this for the general act of employing or applying something, or the state of being used.

uso🔊A1

Use this for the general act of employing or applying something, or the state of being used.

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use🔊A1

This is the first-person singular present subjunctive form, used when expressing a wish or uncertainty about using something.

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consumo🔊A2

Use this when referring to the consumption of resources like electricity, gas, or goods.

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usen🔊A2

This is the third-person plural present subjunctive form, used to give commands or express wishes to a group of people (ustedes).

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empleo🔊B2

Choose this when talking about the utilization or application of resources, methods, or skills.

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utilizaciónB2

Use this in more formal contexts to refer to the act or process of making use of something, especially resources.

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partido🔊B2

This refers to the utility or benefit gained from something; it's often used in phrases like 'sacar partido a'.

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disfrute🔊B1

This translates to 'enjoyment' or 'benefit' and refers to the pleasure or advantage derived from having or using something.

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English → Spanish

uso

oo-sohˈu.so

nounA1general
Use this for the general act of employing or applying something, or the state of being used.
A close-up view of a child's hand holding a wooden paintbrush, actively applying a thick streak of bright blue paint onto a white canvas.

Examples

Dale un buen uso a ese regalo.

Make good use of that gift.

El manual explica el correcto uso de la máquina.

The manual explains the correct usage of the machine.

Esta es una palabra de uso común en la región.

This is a commonly used word in the region (a word of common use).

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'uso' ends in 'o', which often signals masculine words, remember it's always preceded by 'el' or 'un'. (e.g., El uso, un uso).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'uso' (noun) when the verb form is needed: 'Yo hago uso la computadora.'”

Correction: Use the verb 'usar': 'Yo uso la computadora.' (I use the computer.)

use

OO-sehˈu.se

verbA1general
This is the first-person singular present subjunctive form, used when expressing a wish or uncertainty about using something.
A close-up illustration of a hand holding a red watering can and watering a small green potted plant.

Examples

Espero que yo use el tiempo sabiamente.

I hope that I use the time wisely.

¡Use la escalera, no el ascensor!

Use the stairs, not the elevator! (Formal command)

Ella sugiere que él use un chaleco en el frío.

She suggests that he wear a vest in the cold.

A Command Form

When giving a polite, formal command to one person (usted), use 'use'. Example: 'Use este bolígrafo.' (Use this pen.)

The Subjunctive 'Mood'

'Use' is also the special verb form (subjunctive) used after certain phrases expressing wishes, doubts, or requests, often for 'yo,' 'él,' 'ella,' and 'usted'.

Confusing Commands

Mistake: “Using 'usa' for a formal command (Usted usa el mapa).”

Correction: Use 'use' for formal commands: 'Usted use el mapa.' ('Usa' is only for informal 'tú' commands.)

consumo

kon-SOO-mokonˈsumo

nounA2general
Use this when referring to the consumption of resources like electricity, gas, or goods.
A partially eaten red apple on a wooden table.

Examples

Debemos reducir el consumo de plástico.

We must reduce plastic consumption.

Este coche tiene un consumo muy bajo.

This car has very low fuel consumption (it's fuel-efficient).

El consumo de energía sube en invierno.

Energy use goes up in winter.

Using 'el' with consumo

This is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Not just for eating

Mistake: “Using it only for food.”

Correction: Use it for anything that gets 'used up,' like electricity, gas, or money.

usen

OO-senˈusen

verbA2general
This is the third-person plural present subjunctive form, used to give commands or express wishes to a group of people (ustedes).
A group of people together using gardening tools to plant a small tree in a garden.

Examples

Por favor, usen la puerta principal.

Please, use the main door.

Espero que usen protector solar hoy.

I hope you all use sunscreen today.

No quiero que ellos usen mi computadora.

I don't want them to use my computer.

When to use 'usen' vs 'usan'

Use 'usan' for facts (They use shoes). Use 'usen' for commands (You all, use shoes!) or wishes (I hope they use shoes).

Confusing 'usen' with 'usan'

Mistake: “¡Ustedes usan el cinturón!”

Correction: ¡Ustedes usen el cinturón! Use the 'e' ending when you want to give a polite command to a group.

empleo

em-PLEH-ohemˈpleo

nounB2general
Choose this when talking about the utilization or application of resources, methods, or skills.
A colorful storybook illustration focusing on two hands holding a simple wooden hammer, actively using it to hit a nail into a piece of wood, demonstrating utilization or use.

Examples

El empleo de nuevas tecnologías mejoró la producción.

The use of new technologies improved the production.

Se requiere un empleo cuidadoso de las sustancias químicas.

Careful application of the chemical substances is required.

Formal Context

In most everyday situations, the simple word 'uso' is preferred for 'use.' 'Empleo' is often reserved for formal writing, technical manuals, or professional discourse.

utilización

nounB2formal
Use this in more formal contexts to refer to the act or process of making use of something, especially resources.

Examples

La utilización de plásticos en este producto es mínima.

The use of plastics in this product is minimal.

partido

par-TEE-dohpaɾˈti.ðo

nounB2general
This refers to the utility or benefit gained from something; it's often used in phrases like 'sacar partido a'.
A balance scale tilted sharply down on one side due to a pile of gold coins, symbolizing an advantage or benefit.

Examples

Intenta sacar más partido a tu tiempo libre.

Try to get more out of your free time.

Es una profesional que sabe sacarle partido a sus habilidades.

She's a professional who knows how to make the most of her skills.

disfrute

dis-FROO-tehdisˈfɾute

nounB1formal
This translates to 'enjoyment' or 'benefit' and refers to the pleasure or advantage derived from having or using something.
A peaceful illustration of a person sitting in a sunny green meadow, eyes closed, smiling contentedly to show enjoyment.

Examples

El disfrute de las vacaciones es mi prioridad este año.

The enjoyment of the holidays is my priority this year.

El parque ofrece un espacio de disfrute para todos los vecinos.

The park offers a space of enjoyment for all the neighbors.

El disfrute de los beneficios laborales comienza el primer día.

The benefit (or use) of the employment perks starts on the first day.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-e', 'disfrute' is a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' with it.

General Use vs. Specific Application

Learners often confuse 'uso' (general act of using) with 'empleo' or 'utilización' (specific application of resources or methods). Remember that 'uso' is the most common and versatile term for 'use' as a noun, while 'empleo' and 'utilización' imply a more deliberate or formal application.

Related Translations

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