The presente de subjuntivo of utilizar is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty about using something, for example: Espero que utilices la nueva aplicación. (I hope you use the new app.)

Utilizar is a verbo con cambio vocálico, meaning the stem vowel changes in certain conjugations. For the presente de subjuntivo, the stem vowel changes from ‘i’ to ‘u’.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Utilizar generally means “to use” or “to utilize”, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To use or utilize: This is the most common meaning, for example, Es importante que utilicemos los recursos de manera responsable (It’s important that we use resources responsibly).

To take advantage of: It can mean to take advantage of an opportunity or situation, for example, Es recomendable que utilices esta oportunidad para aprender un nuevo idioma (It’s advisable that you take advantage of this opportunity to learn a new language).

To exploit (negatively): In a negative sense, it can mean to exploit someone or something, for example, No es ético que utilicemos a las personas para nuestro propio beneficio (It’s not ethical that we exploit people for our own benefit).

To employ (a method or strategy): It can also refer to employing a particular method or strategy, for example, Es crucial que utilicemos técnicas de negociación efectivas (It’s crucial that we employ effective negotiation techniques).

To spend or consume (colloquially): In informal contexts, it can mean to spend or consume something, for example, ¿Crees que sea buena idea que utilicemos todo nuestro dinero en unas vacaciones? (Do you think it’s a good idea that we spend all our money on a vacation?)

Examples

Examples of Utilizar in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que utilices protector solar cuando vayas a la playa. (It’s important that you use sunscreen when you go to the beach.)

El médico recomienda que utilicemos remedios naturales antes de tomar medicamentos. (The doctor recommends that we use natural remedies before taking medication.)

Ojalá que utilicen materiales reciclados para construir el nuevo edificio. (I hope they use recycled materials to build the new building.)

Aunque no es obligatorio, sería bueno que utilices una aplicación para rastrear tus gastos. (Although it’s not mandatory, it would be good for you to use an app to track your expenses.)

Es necesario que utilicemos contraseñas seguras para proteger nuestra información personal. (It’s necessary that we use secure passwords to protect our personal information.)

Prefiero que utilicen ingredientes frescos en lugar de procesados. (I prefer that they use fresh ingredients instead of processed ones.)

El instructor sugiere que utilicemos técnicas de relajación antes de un examen importante. (The instructor suggests that we use relaxation techniques before an important exam.)

Tal vez sería mejor que utilices un mapa en lugar de confiar en el GPS. (Maybe it would be better for you to use a map instead of relying on GPS.)

Es fundamental que utilicen equipo de seguridad cuando trabajen en la construcción. (It’s essential that they use safety equipment when working in construction.)

Aunque es una opción, no es necesario que utilices un traductor durante la reunión. (Although it’s an option, it’s not necessary for you to use a translator during the meeting.)

El entrenador insiste en que utilicemos técnicas de visualización antes de cada partido. (The coach insists that we use visualization techniques before each game.)

Sería genial que utilicen energía renovable en lugar de combustibles fósiles. (It would be great if they used renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.)

Quizás deberías sugerir que utilicen un sistema de votación electrónica para agilizar el proceso. (Perhaps you should suggest that they use an electronic voting system to streamline the process.)

Es una lástima que no utilicen más recursos educativos en línea. (It’s a shame that they don’t use more online educational resources.)

Aunque es difícil al principio, es importante que utilices un método de estudio eficaz. (Although it’s difficult at first, it’s important that you use an effective study method.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Utilizar (to use) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.