Inklingo

How to Say "we wear" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llevamos

yeh-VAH-mos/ʎeˈβamos/

verbA1clothing, jewelry, accessories
Use 'llevamos' when talking about wearing items like clothing, jewelry, or accessories as part of your attire.
Two friends looking happy, both wearing identical bright red baseball caps.

Examples

Siempre llevamos chaquetas en invierno.

We always wear jackets in winter.

¿Por qué llevamos hoy estos zapatos tan incómodos?

Why are we wearing these uncomfortable shoes today?

Simple Usage for Clothing

'Llevar' is the standard verb for 'to wear' in Spanish, covering everything from hats to shoes.

usamos

oo-SAH-mos/uˈsamos/

verbA1general use, less common for clothing
While 'usamos' can technically refer to wearing clothes, it's much more common for other actions like 'using' tools or programs, and less common for apparel.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a boy and a girl sitting at a table, each actively using a crayon to draw on paper.

Examples

Nosotros usamos este programa para editar fotos.

We use this program to edit photos.

Usamos mucho tiempo en preparar la cena.

We spend a lot of time preparing dinner. (Literally: We use a lot of time...)

Si usamos menos papel, ayudaremos al medio ambiente.

If we use less paper, we will help the environment.

The 'We' Form

This form, 'usamos,' is how you say 'we use' or 'we are using' in the present tense. It is always used with 'nosotros' (we), even if you often drop the pronoun.

Regular Verb Pattern

Since 'usar' is a regular -AR verb, 'usamos' follows the standard pattern: you take the stem 'us-' and add the 'nosotros' ending '-amos'.

Confusing Present and Past

Mistake: “Using 'usamos' when you mean 'we used' in a past context (e.g., yesterday).”

Correction: 'Usamos' means 'we use' (present) AND 'we used' (simple past/preterite). You must rely on time words (ayer, la semana pasada) or context to know which one is meant.

Choosing Between 'Llevar' and 'Usar'

The most common mistake is using 'usamos' for wearing clothes when 'llevamos' is much more natural and expected. Reserve 'usamos' for the act of 'using' things, not primarily for what you are dressed in.

Related Translations

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