The preterite of utilizar is used to express when someone used something at a specific moment in the past. For example, when you want to say “I used the new computer yesterday” – “Utilicé la computadora nueva ayer.”
This is a -zar spelling-changing verb in the preterite tense. The ‘z’ changes to ‘c’ before ‘e’ to maintain the same sound, which occurs in the yo form (utilicé).
Conjugations
Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | utilicé |
| Tú | utilizaste |
| Él / Ella / Usted | utilizó |
| Nosotros / Nosotras | utilizamos |
| Vosotros / Vosotras | utilizasteis |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | utilizaron |
Boost Your Memorization with Audio!
We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense 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 Utilizar in the Preterite (Past) Tense
The Preterite of utilizar refers to specific instances of using something.
To use/utilize: Describes using something for a specific purpose, for example Utilicé la nueva computadora (I used the new computer), or Utilizaron todos los recursos disponibles (They used all available resources).
To employ/implement: Indicates applying a method or strategy, for example Utilizó una técnica nueva (She employed a new technique).
Examples
Examples of Utilizar in the Preterite (Past) Tense
Utilicé la nueva aplicación para el proyecto. (I used the new application for the project.)
¿Utilizaste mi computadora ayer? (Did you use my computer yesterday?)
El chef utilizó ingredientes locales. (The chef used local ingredients.)
Utilizamos el método tradicional. (We used the traditional method.)
Los estudiantes utilizaron el diccionario digital. (The students used the digital dictionary.)
¿Cómo utilizaste el nuevo software? (How did you use the new software?)
Utilicé todos mis ahorros para el viaje. (I used all my savings for the trip.)
La empresa utilizó recursos renovables. (The company used renewable resources.)
Utilizamos el tiempo muy eficientemente. (We used the time very efficiently.)
Utilizaron materiales reciclados para la construcción. (They used recycled materials for the construction.)
Utilizó su experiencia para resolver el problema. (He used his experience to solve the problem.)
Utilicé el transporte público toda la semana. (I used public transportation all week.)
¿Por qué no utilizaste la herramienta nueva? (Why didn’t you use the new tool?)
Utilizaron técnicas modernas de marketing. (They used modern marketing techniques.)
Utilizamos toda la información disponible. (We used all the available information.)
Conjugations with English Translations
Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Yo utilicé | I used |
| Tú utilizaste | You used |
| Él / Ella / Usted utilizó | He / She / You (formal) used |
| Nosotros / Nosotras utilizamos | We used |
| Vosotros / Vosotras utilizasteis | You all used |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes utilizaron | They / You all (formal) used |
This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here
Synonyms
The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.