d'occasion
/ɔ.ka.zjɔ̃/
To say used in French, meaning previously owned, use d'occasion. If unsure, use d'occasion. Wiktionary also lists seconde main.
Meaning: that has or have previously been owned by someone else (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| d'occasion | /ɔ.ka.zjɔ̃/ |
| seconde main |
d'occasion describes things bought second hand, such as cars, books or furniture.
What does it mean word for word?
d' is a short form of de, of and occasion here means a bargain or second hand opportunity.
Which one should you use?
seconde main means second hand and is common for clothes and in shops that sell pre-owned items. d'occasion is the standard choice for cars and most goods.
How does it change in a sentence?
d'occasion never changes and comes after the noun, as in un camion d'occasion.
How do you pronounce it?
occasion is said /ɔ.ka.zjɔ̃/, in three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb meaning to use for this sense. For a used item, French says d'occasion.
Did you know?
- In French, the word occasion can mean a 'bargain' or a 'lucky break' independently of the phrase d'occasion. This is why a used item is viewed as an 'opportunity' rather than just a 'used' object.
- In French, calling a product usagé can carry a negative connotation, suggesting it is worn out, dilapidated, or no longer in good condition.
- While 'second hand' is a common English expression, the French equivalent seconde main is a modern borrowing from English and is mostly used in the fashion industry.
Examples in context
- Tom a acheté son camion d'occasion.Tom bought his truck used.Here d'occasion follows the verb and says how Tom bought the truck.Tatoeba #12003353 by lbdx, translation #1095751 by CK
- Je me suis acheté un camion d'occasion.I bought a used truck.un camion d'occasion means a used truck.Tatoeba #2316455 by Amastan, translation #3276018 by patgfisher
- Il fait commerce de voitures d'occasion.He deals in used cars.voitures d'occasion means used cars.Tatoeba #4711243 by sacredceltic, translation #301530 by CK
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are browsing a flea market.
- ManonRegarde cette table d'occasion, Lucas !Look at this used table, Lucas!
- LucasElle est très belle, Manon.It is very beautiful, Manon.
- ManonEst-ce qu'elle est en bon état ?Is it in good condition?
- LucasOui, elle semble parfaite.Yes, it seems perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “used” translations and entries d'occasion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
