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How to Say "utilized" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “utilized” is “utilizado” — use this word when referring to something that has been put to practical use, especially when describing an object that is not new but still functional, like a 'used car'..

English → Spanish

utilizado

/u-ti-li-THA-do//u.ti.liˈθa.ðo/

adjectiveA2
Use this word when referring to something that has been put to practical use, especially when describing an object that is not new but still functional, like a 'used car'.
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.

utilizó

verbA2
This is the past tense verb form, meaning 'used' or 'utilized', often implying a deliberate action of putting something to work or employing a method.

Examples

Ella utilizó una brújula para encontrar el camino.

She used a compass to find the way.

empleado

/em-pleh-AH-doh//em.pleˈa.ðo/

adjectiveB1formal
Choose this word when 'utilized' refers to time, effort, or resources that have been spent or allocated to a particular task or project.
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'.

usado

/oo-SAH-doh//uˈsaðo/

adjectiveB1
Use this word when 'utilized' implies that something has been used extensively and may be worn out or no longer in prime condition.
A single, heavily scuffed and creased brown leather work boot showing extensive wear and tear.

Examples

Esta alfombra está muy usada; deberíamos reemplazarla.

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

Los procedimientos usados en el experimento fueron incorrectos.

The procedures utilized in the experiment were incorrect.

Estoy usado a levantarme temprano.

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

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).

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.

Utilizado vs. Usado

Learners often confuse 'utilizado' and 'usado'. Remember that 'utilizado' usually implies practical function (like a used car that works well), while 'usado' can suggest something is worn out from use.

Related Translations

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