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Conjugation Chart

“Usar” (to use) in the Present Tense

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Understanding the Present Tense of “Usar”

The Present Tense of usar is used to describe actions happening now or habitual actions, for example: Uso mi computadora para trabajar. (I use my computer for work.)

Usar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the present tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Usar in the Present Tense

Usar generally means “to use” or “to wear”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To use: This is the most common meaning, referring to utilizing something for a particular purpose. For example, Yo uso una computadora para trabajar (I use a computer for work).

To wear: It can also mean to wear clothing or accessories. For example, Ella usa un vestido rojo (She wears a red dress).

To consume: In some contexts, it can mean to consume or ingest something. For example, Él usa mucha sal en sus comidas (He uses a lot of salt in his meals).

To employ: It can also mean to employ or make use of a particular method or technique. For example, Usamos un nuevo enfoque para resolver el problema (We use a new approach to solve the problem).

Colloquial usage: In informal contexts, it can be used to express surprise or disbelief. For example, ¿Usas? ¡No puedo creerlo! (You’re kidding? I can’t believe it!).

Rude usage: In some regions, it can be used in a rude or vulgar way to refer to taking advantage of someone or something. For example, Él usa a sus amigos para conseguir lo que quiere (He uses his friends to get what he wants, in a negative sense).

Real Life Examples of Usar in the Present Tense

Yo uso el teléfono para hacer llamadas y enviar mensajes. (I use the phone to make calls and send messages.)

Tú usas demasiado el celular, deberías tomarte un descanso. (You use your cell phone too much, you should take a break.)

Ella usa la computadora para trabajar desde casa. (She uses the computer to work from home.)

Nosotros usamos el transporte público para ir al centro. (We use public transportation to go downtown.)

Ellos usan las redes sociales para mantenerse en contacto. (They use social media to stay in touch.)

En la oficina, usamos programas de productividad para ser más eficientes. (At the office, we use productivity programs to be more efficient.)

¿Usas la aplicación de mapas cuando viajas a un lugar nuevo? (Do you use the map app when you travel to a new place?)

Mi hermana usa el correo electrónico para comunicarse con sus amigos. (My sister uses email to communicate with her friends.)

Los jóvenes usan mucho la jerga en sus conversaciones. (Young people use a lot of slang in their conversations.)

En la clase de cocina, usamos ingredientes frescos para preparar platillos saludables. (In the cooking class, we use fresh ingredients to prepare healthy dishes.)

¿Qué aplicación usas para editar fotos en tu teléfono? (What app do you use to edit photos on your phone?)

Los atletas usan equipo especializado para mejorar su rendimiento. (Athletes use specialized equipment to improve their performance.)

En la empresa, usamos herramientas de colaboración para trabajar en equipo. (At the company, we use collaboration tools to work as a team.)

Los artistas usan diferentes técnicas y materiales para crear sus obras. (Artists use different techniques and materials to create their works.)

¿Qué estrategias usas para mantenerte motivado y enfocado? (What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused?)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Present Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.