Verb · A1 · Spanish glossary

Usar: to use, to wear

usar

Pronunciation: oo-SAHR (stress the capital letters)

Usar means “to use, to wear” in English.

Quick answer

  • Meaning: to use, to wear
  • How to say it: oo-SAHR
  • Present: yo uso, tú usas
  • Level: Beginner (A1)

Practice Spanish free See examples

What “usar” means and how to use it

Usar means “to use.” In many countries it is also used for wearing clothes and accessories.

How to conjugate “usar”

Present tense and key past forms
WhoSpanishEnglish
yousoI
túusasyou (informal)
él, ella, ustedusahe, she, you (formal)
nosotrosusamoswe
ellos, ustedesusanthey, you all
Past (preterite)yo usé, él usóI / he or she
Past participleusadoused with haber

Examples with audio

  • Uso el teléfono para todo.I use my phone for everything.
  • ¿Puedo usar tu cargador?Can I use your charger?
  • Mi hermano usa lentes.My brother wears glasses.

Usage tip

Usar is more common than “utilizar” in conversation. For clothes, you can also use “llevar” (lleva un abrigo) or “ponerse” (to put on).

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “to use, to wear” in Spanish?

“to use, to wear” in Spanish is “usar.” It is pronounced oo-SAHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.

How do you pronounce “usar”?

Say oo-SAHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.

What is the past tense of “usar”?

In the preterite, “yo” is “usé” and “él” is “usó.” The past participle is “usado.”

Practice “usar” for free

Reading helps, but practice makes it stick. Try short exercises with instant feedback.

Practice Spanish for free with Leo

Related words

More: verbs · Spanish glossary · Lessons