usar

Usar is a Spanish verb meaning “to use.” It belongs to the regular -ar verb group and is widely used in everyday speech and writing.

Etymology and scope: The verb is closely related to the noun uso (use) in Spanish and shares its root with related terms like útil (useful). Like many Romance languages, Spanish forms the infinitive with -ar and builds various tenses from a common stem, resulting in a straightforward conjugation for regular -ar verbs.

Conjugation overview: As a regular -ar verb, usar follows standard endings. Present indicative: yo uso, tú usas, él/ella usa, nosotros usamos, vosotros usáis, ellos usan. Imperfect: usaba, usabas, usaba, usábamos, usabais, usaban. Preterite: usé, usaste, usó, usamos, usasteis, usaron. Future: usaré, usarás, usará, usaremos, usaréis, usarán. Subjunctive: use, uses, use, usemos, uséis, usen. Imperative: usa (tú), use (usted), usemos (nosotros), usad (vosotros), usen (ustedes). Participio: usado; Gerundio: usando.

Usage notes: "Usar" is the default term for “to use” in everyday language. "Utilizar" can be more formal or technical and is common in written or specialized contexts. Common constructions include "hacer uso de" (to make use of), "usar para" (to use for), and impersonal forms like "se usa" (it is used). Examples: "Yo uso mi computadora para trabajar." "¿Usaste el paraguas?"

Other notes: In uppercase form, USAR may refer to Urban Search and Rescue, a network of emergency-response teams. This acronym is distinct from the Spanish verb and is used in different contexts, particularly in disaster management terminology.