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.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Usar (to use) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):

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

Basic meaning: To utilize or employ something for a particular purpose, for example, Yo uso un lápiz para escribir (I use a pencil to write).

Wear clothing: To have clothing or accessories on one’s body, for example, Ella usa una falda corta (She wears a short skirt).

Consume: To ingest or take something, often referring to drugs or medication, for example, Él usa drogas recreativas (He uses recreational drugs).

Employ language: To speak or write in a particular language or style, for example, Vosotros usáis un lenguaje formal (You (plural) use formal language).

Slang: Take advantage: To exploit or manipulate someone for personal gain, often in a negative sense, for example, Tú me usas para tu beneficio (You use me for your benefit).

Slang: Insult: In some contexts, usar can be used as a rude way to address someone, for example, ¡Oye, tú! ¿Me usas? (Hey, you! Are you talking to me?). This usage is considered impolite.

Examples

Examples of Usar in the Present Tense

Yo uso el teléfono para comunicarme con mis amigos. (I use the phone to communicate with my friends.)

¿Usas la computadora para trabajar o para entretenimiento? (Do you use the computer for work or entertainment?)

Mi hermana usa la bicicleta para ir al trabajo todos los días. (My sister uses the bicycle to go to work every day.)

Usamos el carro para viajar largas distancias. (We use the car to travel long distances.)

¿Usáis el microondas para calentar la comida? (Do you use the microwave to heat up food?)

Ellos usan el internet para buscar información. (They use the internet to search for information.)

En la oficina, usamos las computadoras para procesar datos. (At the office, we use computers to process data.)

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

Los chefs usan cuchillos afilados para cortar los ingredientes. (Chefs use sharp knives to cut ingredients.)

En la clase de arte, usamos pinceles y pinturas para crear nuestras obras. (In art class, we use brushes and paints to create our artworks.)

¿Usáis las redes sociales para manteneros en contacto con amigos y familiares? (Do you use social media to stay in touch with friends and family?)

Los atletas usan equipo especial para protegerse durante los entrenamientos. (Athletes use special equipment to protect themselves during training.)

En la cocina, uso aceite de oliva para cocinar. (In the kitchen, I use olive oil for cooking.)

¿Usas auriculares cuando escuchas música? (Do you use headphones when you listen to music?)

Los jardineros usan herramientas especiales para cuidar las plantas. (Gardeners use special tools to care for plants.)

Conjugations with English Translations

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

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American 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.