Inklingo
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usado

/oo-SAH-doh/

second-hand

A simple, slightly faded red bicycle resting on a green lawn, illustrating the concept of being second-hand.

If something is usado, it is second-hand or pre-owned.

usado(Adjective)

mA2

second-hand

?

not new, pre-owned

,

used

?

pre-owned item

Also:

pre-owned

?

formal term for used goods

📝 In Action

Compramos un coche usado porque era más barato.

A2

We bought a used car because it was cheaper.

Ella vende ropa usada en el mercado.

A2

She sells second-hand clothes at the market.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • de segunda mano (second-hand)
  • viejo (old)

Antonyms

  • nuevo (new)
  • a estrenar (brand new)

Common Collocations

  • coche usado – used car
  • muebles usados – used furniture

💡 Grammar Points

Matching the Noun

As an adjective, 'usado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes: 'usado' (masculine singular), 'usada' (feminine singular), 'usados' (masculine plural), and 'usadas' (feminine plural).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Usado' for People

Mistake: "Using 'usado' to mean 'tired' or 'exhausted' in some contexts."

Correction: While sometimes understood, use 'cansado' for people who are tired. 'Usado' is best kept for describing objects.

⭐ Usage Tips

Shopping Tip

If you are shopping in Spanish, knowing 'usado' is essential for finding deals or differentiating between new and old products.

A single, heavily scuffed and creased brown leather work boot showing extensive wear and tear.

Usado can also describe something that is worn out from being used frequently.

usado(Adjective)

mB1

worn

?

showing signs of use

,

utilized

?

having been put to use

Also:

accustomed

?

when used with 'estar' and 'a' (estar usado a)

📝 In Action

Esta alfombra está muy usada; deberíamos reemplazarla.

B1

This rug is very worn out; we should replace it.

Los procedimientos usados en el experimento fueron incorrectos.

B2

The procedures utilized in the experiment were incorrect.

Estoy usado a levantarme temprano.

C1

I am accustomed to getting up early. (Regional/less common alternative to 'acostumbrado')

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • gastado (worn out)
  • empleado (employed/used)

Antonyms

  • intacto (untouched)

💡 Grammar Points

Participle in Compound Tenses

'Usado' is the form needed to create perfect tenses, like the present perfect: 'Hemos usado' (We have used) or the past perfect: 'Habíamos usado' (We had used).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: "Saying 'El libro es usado' when you mean it is currently worn out."

Correction: Use 'ser' (El libro es usado) only to state that the book's permanent status is 'second-hand.' Use 'estar' (El libro está usado) to describe its current, worn condition.

⭐ Usage Tips

Accustomed Usage

While 'acostumbrado' is the standard word for 'accustomed,' you might hear 'estar usado a...' in some regions, meaning 'to be used to' doing something. Stick to 'acostumbrado' for safety.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: usado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'usado' in its primary meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

usar(to use) - verb
uso(use, usage) - noun
usuario(user) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'usado' change its form?

Yes, 'usado' is a regular adjective, so it must change its ending to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: 'usada' (feminine singular), 'usados' (masculine plural), and 'usadas' (feminine plural).

Is 'usado' the same as 'de segunda mano'?

They mean the same thing ('second-hand'). 'Usado' is slightly shorter and more common in everyday speech, especially when talking about cars or electronics.