How to Say "using" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “using” is “usando” — use 'usando' when describing the ongoing action of employing something as a tool or means, similar to the English '-ing' form.
usando
oo-SAHN-dohuˈsan.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.
con
kohnkon
Examples
Quiero un café con leche, por favor.
I want a coffee with milk, please.
Voy al cine con mis amigos esta noche.
I am going to the movies with my friends tonight.
Ella escribe siempre con un lápiz rojo.
She always writes with a red pencil.
The 'Me' and 'You' Rule
When you want to say 'with me' or 'with you,' you can't say 'con mí' or 'con ti.' Instead, you must use the special words 'conmigo' and 'contigo'.
Describing How You Do Things
Spanish often uses 'con' plus a noun to describe how an action is done. For example, instead of saying 'carefully,' Spanish speakers often say 'con cuidado' (with care).
Incorrect Pronoun Use
Mistake: “Ven con yo.”
Correction: Ven conmigo. (Use 'conmigo' instead of 'con' plus the word for 'I'.)
The 'Married With' Trap
Mistake: “Estoy casado a ella.”
Correction: Estoy casado con ella. (In Spanish, you are married 'with' someone, not 'to' someone.)
utilizando
oo-tee-lee-SAHN-dohutiliˈsando
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-tehmeˈðjan.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 Confusion
Related Translations
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