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"Usar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to use", and "calzar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to wear". Learn more about the difference between "usar" and "calzar" below.
usar(
oo
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to utilize)
a. to use
Puedes usar mi teléfono viejo si no logras encontrar el tuyo.You can use my old phone if you don't manage to find yours.
2. (to have on)
a. to wear
Voy a usar mi chaqueta nueva cuando haga frío.I'm going to wear my new jacket when it gets cold.
usarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to be worn
En verano se vuelven a usar los vestidos y las faldas.In summer, dresses and skirts are worn again.
b. to be in fashion
Se usaban los overoles en los ochenta y los noventa.Overalls were in fashion in the eighties and nineties.
calzar(
kahl
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to provide with footwear
El dueño de la zapatería calzó a más de 200 niños pobres.The shoe shop owner provided more than 200 poor children with footwear.
b. to put shoes on
Belén vistió al maniquí, pero se olvidó de calzarlo.Belen dressed the mannequin, but she forgot to put shoes on him.
3. (to fit)
a. to wear
Tus botas no me van a entrar. Yo calzo una 9.Your boots are too small for me. I wear a size 9.
5. (dentistry) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to fill
El dentista me calzó dos caries y me blanqueó los dientes.The dentist filled two cavities and whitened my teeth.
calzarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to put on
Hoy me calcé las botas que me regalaste. Me quedan perfecto.Today I put on the boots you gave me. They fit perfectly.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
7. (colloquial) (to have sex with) (Panama) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Panama
Regionalism used in Spain
a. to sleep with
Marco se calzó a la chica que conoció en el bar.Marco slept with the girl he met at the bar.
