usado
/uˈsado/
The English word "used" is translated into Spanish as usado.
The adjective usado is used to describe something that has or have previously been owned by someone else.
Meaning: that has or have previously been owned by someone else (adj)
Which one should you use?
While usado means "used", the phrase de segunda mano is a very common way to describe second-hand goods like clothes or cars. In Spain, usado/a can be replaced by de ocasión for second-hand items.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use usado for masculine singular nouns, usada for feminine singular nouns, usados for masculine plural nouns and usadas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/uˈsado/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific word, estrenar, which means to use something for the first time, the exact opposite of using something usado.
- When a person is described as usado in a figurative or emotional sense, it can be a very harsh insult implying they have been manipulated or exhausted by others.
- The word usado comes from the Latin usus, which is also the root of the English word 'usual', linking the idea of being 'used' to something that happens 'usually'.
Examples in context
- Tom compró su camión usado.Tom bought his truck used.This sentence shows how to use usado to describe a truck.Tatoeba #1331313 by marcelostockle, translation #1095751 by CK
- Puede ser usado como un cuchillo.It can be used as a knife.This sentence shows how to use usado in the sense of being utilized for a purpose.Tatoeba #1124025 by cueyayotl, translation #36547 by CK
- Él sabe cómo comprar autos usados.He knows how to buy used cars.This sentence shows the masculine plural form usados used with cars.Tatoeba #1751385 by marcelostockle, translation #1751345 by Amastan
- Compré un carro usado.I bought a used car
- La ropa en esa tienda fue previamente utilizada.The clothes in that store were previously used
- ¿Este artículo ya está usado?Is this item already used?
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a furniture market.
- AlejandroMira este sofá usado, es muy barato.Look at this used sofa, it is very cheap.
- LucíaSe ve bien, pero no me gusta el color.It looks good, but I don't like the color.
- Alejandro¿Prefieres comprar un sofá nuevo entonces?Do you prefer to buy a new sofa then?
- LucíaSí, prefiero pagar más por algo nuevo.Yes, I prefer to pay more for something new.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry usado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
