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usar means to use — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 21, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

usar

verb • /[oo-SAR]/

to use

Example:

Puedes usar mi teléfono si lo necesitas.

You can use my phone if you need it.

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🧠 What does usar mean?

The Spanish verb "usar" means "to use" in English. It's a very common and versatile verb, used in a wide range of situations, from using everyday objects to utilizing skills or resources. It's a regular -ar verb, so it follows the standard conjugation patterns.

📚 Extra examples

  • Uso el ordenador todos los días.
    I use the computer every day.
  • Ella usa el teléfono para llamar a su madre.
    She uses the phone to call her mother.
  • ¿Puedo usar tu bolígrafo?
    Can I use your pen?
  • Usamos la información para mejorar nuestros servicios.
    We use the information to improve our services.
  • Ellos usan mucho las redes sociales.
    They use social media a lot.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to use' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to use' in Spanish is "usar".
How do you pronounce 'usar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation of "usar" is approximately oo-SAHR, with the stress on the second syllable.
How do you use 'usar' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Uso el coche para ir al trabajo' (I use the car to go to work), 'Ella usa el internet para estudiar' (She uses the internet to study).
What is the English translation of 'usar'?
The English translation of 'usar' is 'to use'.
Does 'usar' change for gender or number?
Yes, like all Spanish verbs, 'usar' changes its form depending on the subject pronoun (yo, tú, él/ella/usted, nosotros, vosotros, ellos/ellas/ustedes). These changes reflect the person and number of the subject.
Is 'usar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'usar' is a very common verb in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'usar' have slang or double meanings?
While "usar" itself doesn't have many slang or double meanings, depending on the context, the phrase it is used in can. For example, using the word with drugs might have different meanings depending on the region or culture.
Is 'usar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meaning and usage of "usar" are the same across Spain and Latin America. There might be slight variations in colloquial expressions, but the verb itself functions identically.
How do you conjugate 'usar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo uso Tú usas Él/ella/usted usa Nosotros/nosotras usamos Vosotros/vosotras usáis Ellos/ellas/ustedes usan

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "usar"

Synonyms: emplear, utilizar, aprovechar
Opposites: desperdiciar, desechar

💡 Did You Know?

The word "usar" comes from the Latin word "usare," which also meant "to use."

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