Inklingo
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utilizado

/u-ti-li-THA-do/

used

A small, slightly worn teddy bear sitting alone on a wooden floor, illustrating an object that has been previously employed or consumed.

When describing an object that has been previously employed or consumed, we use the adjective utilizado.

utilizado(Adjective)

mA2

used

?

having been previously employed or consumed

Also:

utilized

?

put to practical use

,

second-hand

?

pre-owned item

📝 In Action

Compramos un coche utilizado, pero está en muy buen estado.

A2

We bought a used car, but it's in very good condition.

El material utilizado para la construcción es reciclado.

B1

The material utilized for the construction is recycled.

Necesitas la herramienta utilizada en el taller.

B1

You need the tool used in the workshop.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • nuevo (new)
  • estrenar (to use for the first time)

Common Collocations

  • equipo utilizado – used equipment
  • método utilizado – method used

💡 Grammar Points

Matching the Noun

As an adjective, 'utilizado' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. If the noun is feminine (la herramienta), you must say 'utilizada'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: "La computadora utilizado."

Correction: La computadora utilizada. Remember that adjectives must agree with the noun they modify.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal vs. Common Usage

'Utilizado' is slightly more formal than 'usado,' although both mean 'used.' 'Utilizado' often emphasizes that something was put to its intended purpose.

A sharp wooden pencil resting on a table next to a fully colored, completed drawing of a flower, representing a finished action (participle).

Utilizado is also the past participle, used to form perfect tenses, signifying a completed action, like finishing this drawing.

utilizado(Verb (Participle))

A1regular ar

used

?

as part of a perfect tense

Also:

put to use

?

in the passive voice

📝 In Action

Hemos utilizado la bicicleta toda la semana.

A1

We have used the bike all week.

El software ha sido utilizado por millones de personas.

B2

The software has been used by millions of people.

Nunca había utilizado esa aplicación antes.

B1

I had never used that application before.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • ha sido utilizado – it has been used
  • había utilizado – I/he/she had used

💡 Grammar Points

Creating Perfect Tenses

To talk about actions that are completed, you always combine the correct form of the verb 'haber' (to have) with 'utilizado'. Example: 'Yo he utilizado' (I have used).

The Passive Voice

When an object receives the action, you use a form of 'ser' (to be) followed by 'utilizado,' which must change to match the object. Example: 'La casa fue utilizada' (The house was used).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Tener' Instead of 'Haber'

Mistake: "Tengo utilizado la computadora."

Correction: He utilizado la computadora. In Spanish, you must use 'haber' (not 'tener') to form these completed action tenses.

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Ado/Ido' Rule

The past participle of nearly all -AR verbs (like utilizar) ends in -ADO.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: utilizado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'utilizado' as an adjective?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

utilizar(to use/to utilize) - verb
útil(useful) - adjective
utilidad(usefulness/utility) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'utilizado' and 'usado'?

Both mean 'used,' but 'utilizado' tends to emphasize that something was put to its intended purpose (utilized), and it feels slightly more formal. 'Usado' is often preferred when talking simply about second-hand items (e.g., 'ropa usada' – used clothes).

Does 'utilizado' ever change form when used with 'haber' (e.g., in 'he utilizado')?

No. When 'utilizado' is combined with 'haber' to form a completed action tense (like 'he utilizado,' 'has utilizado'), it is a verb form, and it is always fixed in the masculine singular form ('utilizado'), regardless of who is doing the action or what object is involved.