Usar Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) in Latin American Spanish

The Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) of usar is used to give direct orders or instructions involving the verb “to use”, for example Usa la computadora. (Use the computer.)

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

Conjugations

Conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish):

Pronoun Conjugation
Yo
usa
Él / Ella / Usteduse
Nosotros / Nosotrasusemos
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedesusen

Boost Your Memorization with Audio!

We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) to help you learn faster.

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop as you study the chart. This repetition will solidify the correct conjugations in your memory.

Usage of Usar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

Usar generally means “to use”, but has several different meanings in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands), some of which might surprise you.

To use something: for example, Usa la computadora (Use the computer).

To wear something: for example, Usa esa camisa (Wear that shirt).

To consume something: for example, Usa este remedio (Take this medicine).

To employ or utilize: for example, Usa tu ingenio (Use your wit).

Colloquial: To take advantage of someone: for example, ¡No me uses! (Don’t take advantage of me!)

Slang: To have sex with someone: for example, ¡Úsame, papi! (Have sex with me, daddy!) Note: This usage is considered rude.

Examples

Examples of Usar in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands)

¡Usa el mapa para encontrar la dirección! (Use the map to find the address!)

Por favor, usen los cubiertos apropiados para cada platillo. (Please use the appropriate utensils for each dish.)

Mamá, usemos ingredientes frescos para preparar la cena. (Mom, let’s use fresh ingredients to prepare dinner.)

En la reunión, use diapositivas claras y concisas. (In the meeting, use clear and concise slides.)

¿Puedes usar el diccionario para buscar esa palabra? (Can you use the dictionary to look up that word?)

Para mantenerse en forma, usen las instalaciones del gimnasio con regularidad. (To stay in shape, use the gym facilities regularly.)

Oye, ¿por qué no usas esa aplicación para encontrar un buen restaurante? (Hey, why don’t you use that app to find a good restaurant?)

En la fiesta, usen los vasos desechables para evitar lavar platos. (At the party, use disposable cups to avoid washing dishes.)

Cuando viajen, usen una maleta ligera para facilitar el transporte. (When traveling, use a lightweight suitcase to make transportation easier.)

Para ahorrar energía, usa bombillas LED en tu hogar. (To save energy, use LED bulbs in your home.)

En la oficina, use un tono profesional al hablar con los clientes. (At the office, use a professional tone when speaking with clients.)

¡Usemos esa receta familiar para preparar un delicioso postre! (Let’s use that family recipe to make a delicious dessert!)

Cuando estudies, usa técnicas de memorización efectivas. (When studying, use effective memorization techniques.)

En el taller de arte, usen pinceles de calidad para obtener mejores resultados. (In the art workshop, use quality brushes to get better results.)

Para mantenerse informado, use fuentes confiables de noticias. (To stay informed, use reliable news sources.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Imperative Mood (Affirmative Commands) tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

Spanish English
Yo —
Tú usa Use
Él / Ella / Usted use Use
Nosotros / Nosotras usemos Let’s use
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes usen Use

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

Synonyms

The Imperative mood is also known as the Command Form, Affirmative Command Mood, or Direct Command Form in English, and as Modo Imperativo, Imperativo Afirmativo, Mandatos Afirmativos, or Forma de Mandato in Spanish.