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How to Say "worn" in Spanish

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usado

/oo-SAH-doh//uˈsaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'usado' when describing an object, especially clothing or furniture, that shows clear signs of wear and tear from being used over time.
A single, heavily scuffed and creased brown leather work boot showing extensive wear and tear.

Examples

Esta camisa está muy usada, pero todavía me gusta.

This shirt is very worn out, but I still like it.

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.

llevado

/yeh-VAH-doh//ʎeˈβa.ðo/

Verb FormA1General
Use 'llevado' primarily as a past participle of 'llevar' to indicate that something has been carried, taken, or used extensively, often implying wear, especially for clothing.
A small, red suitcase being carried by a person walking down a path.

Examples

Los zapatos se ven llevados por el largo camino.

The shoes look worn from the long journey.

Ella ya se ha llevado todos los libros.

She has already taken all the books.

El coche fue llevado al taller esta mañana.

The car was taken to the workshop this morning.

Making Finished Actions

This form (llevado/a) combines with the verb haber ('to have') to describe actions that have already finished: 'Hemos llevado' (We have carried).

Changing the Ending

When used with ser or estar (to describe a state, like in the passive voice), the ending must match the gender and number of the person or thing being described: 'La carta fue llevada' (The letter was taken).

Not Changing the Ending with 'Estar'

Mistake: “La gente está llevado por la emoción.”

Correction: La gente está llevad**a** por la emoción. (The word must match 'la gente' which is feminine singular here.)

puesta

/pwés-ta//ˈpwesta/

Past participle/adjectiveA2General
Use 'puesta' when referring to something that is put on, set, or in place, such as a table being set for a meal, or clothing being worn at a particular moment.
A decorative blue ceramic vase filled with red and yellow flowers sitting firmly on a polished wooden shelf.

Examples

La mesa está puesta para la cena.

The table is set (worn) for dinner.

La mesa ya está puesta, podemos comer.

The table is already set, we can eat.

Llevaba una chaqueta puesta, aunque hacía calor.

She was wearing a jacket, even though it was hot.

La nueva regla fue puesta en vigor ayer.

The new rule was put into effect yesterday.

Irregular Participle

'Puesta' is the feminine form of the irregular past participle of the verb 'poner' (to put/place). The masculine form is 'puesto'.

Matching Gender

When used as an adjective (like 'set' or 'placed'), it must match the gender and number of the noun it describes. Since 'mesa' (table) is feminine, we use 'puesta'.

Not Matching Gender

Mistake: “Decir: 'La mesa está puesto.'”

Correction: Say: 'La mesa está puesta.' (The table is feminine, so the adjective must be feminine.)

Don't confuse 'usado'/'llevado' with 'puesta'

The most common mistake is using 'puesta' to mean 'worn out'. Remember, 'puesta' means 'put on' or 'set', while 'usado' and 'llevado' describe something showing signs of wear from use. Think 'worn out' vs. 'put on'.

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