The Verb "Usar" in Portuguese: More versatile than you think
Updated: 9 hours ago
Do you know the different meanings of the verb "usar" in Portuguese? For those learning the language, recognizing these differences is important. After all, understanding the meaning of "usar" in a sentence helps you better grasp the context and choose the right words to express yourself!
What does the verb "usar" mean?
The verb "usar" generally means "to make use of something." It can indicate that a person uses an object, applies knowledge, wears an item of clothing, consumes something frequently, or even wears out a specific object through excessive use.
"Usar" is a regular verb ending in -AR.
Now, let's look at seven important meanings of the verb "usar" in Portuguese.
1. Apply knowledge, skills, or experiences
The verb "usar" can indicate that someone applies a skill, information, or experience to perform a task or resolve a situation.
In this case, the person is not necessarily using a physical object. They are employing something they know or have learned.
Examples:
- O chef usou sua criatividade para preparar um prato diferente.
- Mariana usa seus conhecimentos de informática no novo emprego.
- O professor usou a experiência para explicar o assunto de maneira simples.
Note that, in these sentences, "usar" has a meaning similar to "apply" or "employ."
2. To have or maintain a habitual characteristic
We also use "usar" to refer to a characteristic someone habitually has or maintains, especially regarding appearance, hair, a beard, or personal style.
This construction generally indicates a habit or a person's typical appearance.
Examples:
- Meu irmão usa barba desde a faculdade.
- Renata usa o cabelo preso durante o trabalho.
- Paulo começou a usar óculos depois dos quarenta anos.
In these sentences, the verb does not simply mean “to put on at that moment.” It indicates that the person habitually displays that characteristic or maintains that style.
3. Turning to an energy source or resource
Another very common use is referring to the energy source, material, or resource used to produce heat, light, or movement.
We can use the verb in the context of energy sources such as electricity, gas, wood, coal, or solar power, among other possibilities.
Examples:
- Esta casa usa energia solar para aquecer a água.
- O restaurante usa gás para preparar os alimentos.
- Durante a viagem, eles usaram lanternas para iluminar o caminho.
Here, "usar" means employing a resource to achieve a specific result.
4. To consume or use something regularly
The verb can also express the idea of consuming or using something frequently. This usage appears in contexts related to products, services, activities, and habits.
Examples:
- Eu uso o transporte público todos os dias.
- Carlos usa um aplicativo para controlar os gastos do mês.
- Muitas pessoas usam chá de camomila antes de dormir.
In this sense, the focus is on repetition or frequency. The person did not use something just once; they have a habit of doing so regularly.
5. Wearing or carrying clothes and accessories
When it comes to clothing, footwear, and accessories, "usar" means wearing or carrying these items on one's body.
This is one of the most common everyday uses of the verb. We can wear clothes, shoes, hats, watches, earrings, backpacks, and many other accessories.
Examples:
- Hoje, Lucas está usando uma camisa listrada e tênis branco.
- A noiva usa um lindo vestido branco de renda.
- No inverno, costumo usar botas e um casaco pesado.
We can also use this verb to talk about objects in general, cosmetics, and spaces:
- É importante usar capacete ao andar de bicicleta.
- Use protetor solar antes de sair.
- Ela usa a varanda de casa para relaxar.
6. To wear out or damage something through use
In some situations, "usar" can imply that an object has worn out, lost quality, or become damaged because it was used frequently or heavily.
This sense often appears in expressions such as "to overuse," "to use a lot," or "to use until it breaks."
Examples:
- As crianças usaram tanto o brinquedo que algumas peças se soltaram.
- A máquina foi usada durante muitos anos e acabou apresentando problemas.
- Ele usou os sapatos diariamente até a sola ficar completamente gasta.
Note that, in these cases, the object undergoes a consequence resulting from continuous use. The verb may appear in the context of wear and tear, aging, or breakage.
7. To employ a tool, a method, or a form of communication
Finally, "usar" can mean employing a tool, technique, method, language, or system to perform an action or convey a message.
This sense is quite broad and appears in academic, professional, and everyday situations.
Examples:
- A pesquisadora usou um programa de computador para analisar os dados.
- O guia usou um mapa para encontrar o caminho correto.
- Os participantes usaram gestos para se comunicar em um ambiente barulhento.
- O estudante usou um dicionário para entender a palavra desconhecida.
In this case, the verb indicates which resource was chosen to achieve a goal.
As you can see, the verb "usar" is very versatile. Its meaning changes depending on the context: we can use an experience, an energy source, an article of clothing, an app, a method, or even an object until it wears out.
To help you better reinforce what you've learned, check out this video I prepared especially for you! In addition to reviewing the material, you’ll be able to hear the pronunciation of the sentences, see more examples, and observe how these usages appear in actual speech. See you there! ☺️
About the author
I'm Audrey Lyra a Portuguese teacher for foreigners with over ten years of experience, and the creator of this blog. My purpose is to connect you to the language and culture of Brazil, making your learning journey easier.
