How to Say "using" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “using” is “usando” — use 'usando' when you want to express the continuous action of 'using' something, similar to the English '-ing' form in present continuous tense..
usando
oo-SAHN-doh/uˈsan.do/
Examples
Estamos usando la energía solar para calentar la casa.
We are using solar energy to heat the house.
Ella resolvió el problema usando una calculadora.
She solved the problem by using a calculator.
Llegó a la ciudad viajando y usando solo transporte público.
He arrived in the city by traveling and using only public transportation.
The Continuous Action
When paired with a form of the verb estar (like estoy, estás), 'usando' tells you that the action is happening right now: 'Estoy usando el coche' (I am using the car).
Explaining the Method
You can use 'usando' by itself at the end or beginning of a sentence to explain how something was done, without needing the word 'by' like in English: 'Aprendió usando la aplicación' (He learned by using the app).
Using 'ser' instead of 'estar'
Mistake: “Soy usando”
Correction: The correct phrase is 'Estoy usando.' Remember, 'estar' is always used with the '-ando' form to describe temporary, ongoing actions.
utilizando
/oo-tee-lee-SAHN-doh//utiliˈsando/
Examples
Estoy utilizando mi teléfono para traducir la frase.
I am using my phone to translate the sentence.
Ella aprendió a cocinar utilizando solo ingredientes frescos.
She learned to cook using only fresh ingredients.
Utilizando esta nueva estrategia, hemos reducido los errores.
By utilizing this new strategy, we have reduced errors.
The Continuous Action
This form (the gerund) is used with the verb 'estar' to show an action happening right now: 'Estamos utilizando' (We are using).
Explaining How
You can use 'utilizando' to explain the method or tool for doing something, often translated as 'by using' or 'using' in English.
Gerund vs. Infinitive
Mistake: “Using 'utilizar' instead of 'utilizando' after 'estar'.”
Correction: Always use the -ando form after 'estar' to talk about what is happening: 'Estamos utilizando' (We are using), not 'Estamos utilizar'.
mediante
meh-dee-AHN-teh/meˈðjan.te/
Examples
Pudimos resolver el problema mediante una simple llamada.
We were able to solve the problem by means of a simple call.
La donación se hizo mediante transferencia bancaria.
The donation was made via bank transfer.
Obtuvieron la información mediante un contacto secreto.
They obtained the information through a secret contact.
Always Unchanging
As a preposition, 'mediante' is invariable—it always stays the same, regardless of whether the thing that follows it is singular or plural, masculine or feminine.
Introducing the Method
Use 'mediante' when you want to clearly state the instrument, process, or channel used to make something happen.
Confusing with 'Por'
Mistake: “La inscripción se hace por el sitio web. (Literal translation of 'through')”
Correction: La inscripción se hace mediante el sitio web. ('Mediante' emphasizes the website as the specific channel or method, which is often preferred in formal contexts over 'por'.)
Gerund vs. Preposition
Related Translations
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