Italian · Everyday Verbs

"to use" in Italian: usare

usare

Say it: oo-ZAH-rehverb/uˈza.re/

Note: also: utilizzare

To use in Italian is usare (oo-ZAH-reh). Io uso, tu usi, lui/lei usa. Past participle usato / usata. Prefer usare over only utilizzare in everyday speech.

Kitchen tip

Uso sempre questa padella per le uova.
I always use this pan for eggs.
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How to pronounce usare

Say it

oo-ZAH-reh

/uˈza.re/

Usare stresses ZAH: oo-ZAH-reh. Soft s like z. Uso (I use) is OO-zoh.

"to use" in Italian: quick reference

ItalianEnglish
usareto use

Tools, apps, words.

uso / usi / usaI use / you use / he-she uses

Present singular — verb uso, not only the noun.

usiamowe use

Shared tools.

usato / usataused

Past participle; also second-hand.

How to use usare in real life

  1. 1Kitchen tip

    Uso sempre questa padella per le uova.

    I always use this pan for eggs.

    Uso as verb.

  2. 2App help

    Usi spesso questa app per i biglietti?

    Do you often use this app for tickets?

    Usi.

  3. 3Borrowing a charger

    Posso usare il tuo caricatore un minuto?

    Can I use your charger for a minute?

    Usare.

Mistakes English speakers make with usare

Incorrect: Io usare il forno.

Correct: Uso il forno.

Conjugate: io uso.

Incorrect: Devo utilizzare solo, senza usare.

Correct: Devo usare il microonde. / Posso usare il microonde.

Everyday speech prefers usare; include usare, not only utilizzare.

Good to know

Uso is both I use and the noun use—context clears it. Markets label usato for second-hand clothes.

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Sharing kitchen tools

  1. ChatPal

    Usi il frullatore stasera?

    Are you using the blender tonight?

  2. You

    Sì, lo uso per la zuppa.

    Yes, I use it for the soup.

  3. ChatPal

    Ok. Dopo posso usare io la padella?

    Ok. Afterwards can I use the pan?

  4. You

    Certo.

    Of course.

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"to use" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "to use" in Italian

How do I say I use?

Uso.

You use (tu)?

Usi.

Usare vs utilizzare?

Both mean to use; usare is more everyday.

Past?

Ho usato.

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