Inklingo

How to Say "second-hand" in Spanish

English → Spanish

usado

/oo-SAH-doh//uˈsaðo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use 'usado' when referring to any item that is not new, pre-owned, or has been previously owned or worn. It's the most general and widely applicable term.
A simple, slightly faded red bicycle resting on a green lawn, illustrating the concept of being second-hand.

Examples

Compramos un coche usado porque era más barato.

We bought a used car because it was cheaper.

Ella vende ropa usada en el mercado.

She sells second-hand clothes at the market.

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).

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.

utilizado

/u-ti-li-THA-do//u.ti.liˈθa.ðo/

AdjectiveA2General/Slightly Formal
Use 'utilizado' when you want to emphasize that an item has been put to use or employed, often implying it's still functional. It can sometimes sound slightly more formal than 'usado'.
A small, slightly worn teddy bear sitting alone on a wooden floor, illustrating an object that has been previously employed or consumed.

Examples

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

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

El material utilizado para la construcción es reciclado.

The material utilized for the construction is recycled.

Necesitas la herramienta utilizada en el taller.

You need the tool used in the workshop.

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'.

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La computadora utilizado.”

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

General vs. Specific Use

Learners often confuse 'usado' and 'utilizado' because both mean 'used'. Remember that 'usado' is the default and most common word for 'second-hand' or 'pre-owned'. 'Utilizado' is less frequent and can sometimes imply more about the item having been *put to use* rather than just being previously owned.

Related Translations

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