usemos

Usemos is the present-subjunctive first-person plural form of the verb usar in Spanish and Portuguese. In both languages, it corresponds to the English expression “let us use” or “let’s use.” It is a mood form, not a standalone lexical item, and is used to express exhortation, proposals, or wishes.

Etymology and form

The form derives from the Latin verb usam (from usus) and follows the standard -ar verb conjugation pattern for the present subjunctive in the nosotros form. In both Spanish and Portuguese, the spelling is identical, though pronunciation differs between the languages.

Grammatical role and usage

In Spanish, the present-subjunctive is used after expressions of desire, doubt, necessity, or in clauses introduced by que, often to propose a course of action: “Que usemos este método.” This usage emphasizes recommendation or collective intention rather than a simple statement of fact. In Portuguese, usemos serves a similar function as the present-subjunctive for nós, and is common in formal contexts such as meetings or written proposals: “Que usemos métodos mais eficientes.” In everyday Portuguese, people may prefer the imperative or the transitional “vamos usar” for immediacy, but usemos appears in deliberative or formal language.

Pronunciation and dialect notes

Although spelled identically in Spanish and Portuguese, the word is pronounced differently in each language according to its phonology. It does not carry accents in standard orthography.

See also

Subjunctive mood, Spanish grammar, Portuguese grammar, imperative and indicative contrasts.

This article presents usemos as a linguistic form rather than a separate concept, highlighting its role in collective suggestion and formal discourse in Spanish and Portuguese.