What is the difference between "usó", "utilizado", "usado", "empleado" in Spanish?

The English word 'used' has several Spanish translations, and choosing the right one depends heavily on context. You'll need to consider whether you're referring to an item that is pre-owned, an action that has been performed, or a verb conjugation.

How to Say "used" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “used” is “usó” — use this when referring to the past tense action of 'using' something by 'he', 'she', 'it', or formal 'you'..

usó🔊A1

Use this when referring to the past tense action of 'using' something by 'he', 'she', 'it', or formal 'you'.

{ui.learnMore}

utilizado🔊A1

Use this as an adjective to describe an item that has been previously employed or consumed, often implying it's still functional, or as part of a perfect tense verb.

{ui.learnMore}

usado🔊A2

This is the most common translation for 'used' when referring to a pre-owned item, like a second-hand car or piece of furniture.

{ui.learnMore}

empleado🔊B1

Use this when 'used' refers to time, effort, or resources that have been put into service or action.

{ui.learnMore}

English → Spanish

usó

VerbA1General

Use this when referring to the past tense action of 'using' something by 'he', 'she', 'it', or formal 'you'.

Examples

Ella usó todo el dinero para comprar el regalo.

She used all the money to buy the gift.

See full entry for “usó” →

utilizado

/u-ti-li-THA-do//u.ti.liˈθa.ðo/

Adjective/Verb (Participle)A1General

Use this as an adjective to describe an item that has been previously employed or consumed, often implying it's still functional, or as part of a perfect tense verb.

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

Examples

Hemos utilizado la bicicleta toda la semana.

We have used the bike all week.

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'.

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).

Forgetting Gender Change

Mistake: “La computadora utilizado.”

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

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.

See full entry for “utilizado” →

usado

/oo-SAH-doh//uˈsaðo/

AdjectiveA2General

This is the most common translation for 'used' when referring to a pre-owned item, like a second-hand car or piece of furniture.

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.

See full entry for “usado” →

empleado

/em-pleh-AH-doh//em.pleˈa.ðo/

AdjectiveB1General

Use this when 'used' refers to time, effort, or resources that have been put into service or action.

A smiling person dressed in neat business clothes standing confidently and holding a closed briefcase, symbolizing the state of having a job.

Examples

El tiempo empleado en este proyecto fue mínimo.

The time used (or spent) on this project was minimal.

Las técnicas empleadas son muy avanzadas.

The techniques used are very advanced.

Él está empleado en una gran compañía de tecnología.

He is employed at a large technology company.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'empleado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). Example: 'la herramienta empleada' (the tool used).

Origin as a Verb Form

'Empleado' is the 'past participle' of the verb 'emplear' (to use/to employ). This means it can also be combined with 'haber' to form perfect tenses: 'Hemos empleado mucho esfuerzo' (We have used a lot of effort).

Forgetting Agreement

Mistake: “Saying 'las horas empleado' (incorrect agreement).”

Correction: It must agree with 'horas' (feminine plural): 'las horas empleadas'.

See full entry for “empleado” →

Used vs. Used: Object vs. Action

Learners often confuse 'usado' (pre-owned item) with 'usó' (past action of using). Remember that 'usado' describes the state of an object, while 'usó' is a verb indicating someone performed the action of using something.

Related Translations

utilized→second-hand→accustomed→application→custom→employed→employee→i use→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.