How do you say 'used' in Spanish?

For pre-owned or secondhand items, the word is 'usado.' When 'used' means 'accustomed to,' you need 'acostumbrado a.' These are two completely different concepts that require different Spanish words.

How do you say 'I'm used to it' in Spanish?

The phrase is 'estoy acostumbrado/a,' always with 'estar' because it describes a state you have arrived at through experience. You can add the preposition 'a' followed by what you are accustomed to: 'estoy acostumbrada a madrugar' (I'm used to waking up early).

What is the difference between 'usado' and 'de segunda mano'?

'Usado' means previously owned or worn, while 'de segunda mano' (secondhand) is the phrase commonly found in classified ads and thrift stores. Both convey the same idea, but 'de segunda mano' is the preferred commercial term.

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

Used in Spanish: Usado

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Usado · adjective · oo-SAH-doh

The English word 'used' translates to 'usado' in Spanish when describing pre-owned or previously utilized items. When 'used' means 'accustomed to,' the translation shifts to 'acostumbrado a.' Understanding this distinction is essential for accurate communication.

oo-SAH-doh

Compré un coche usado en muy buenas condiciones.

I bought a used car in very good condition.

Used in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for used, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
usado	used	oo-SAH-doh	Default, widely understood
acostumbrado	used		accustomed to, habituated
de segunda mano	used		secondhand items
utilizado	used		formal / technical contexts

How Native Speakers Use Usado

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Buying secondhand

Prefiero comprar ropa usada para ahorrar dinero.

I prefer to buy used clothing to save money.

Discussing thrift shopping habits.

Being accustomed

Ya estoy acostumbrado al calor de este clima.

I am already used to the heat of this climate.

Expressing adaptation to a new environment.

Describing wear

Estas herramientas están muy usadas pero todavía funcionan.

These tools are very used but they still work.

Assessing the condition of worn equipment.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Usado

Wrong meaning selected

Incorrect: Estoy usado al frío.

Correct: Estoy acostumbrado al frío.

When 'used' means 'accustomed to,' the correct translation is 'acostumbrado,' not 'usado.' 'Usado' only describes physical wear or pre-owned status.

Gender agreement

Incorrect: La computadora usado funciona bien.

Correct: La computadora usada funciona bien.

'Computadora' is feminine, so the adjective must agree: 'usada.' Forgetting gender agreement is a persistent challenge for English speakers.

Lock in Used Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Usado used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using usado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Compré un coche usado en muy buenas condiciones. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

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Common Questions About Used in Spanish

How do you say 'used' in Spanish?: For pre-owned or secondhand items, the word is 'usado.' When 'used' means 'accustomed to,' you need 'acostumbrado a.' These are two completely different concepts that require different Spanish words.
How do you say 'I'm used to it' in Spanish?: The phrase is 'estoy acostumbrado/a,' always with 'estar' because it describes a state you have arrived at through experience. You can add the preposition 'a' followed by what you are accustomed to: 'estoy acostumbrada a madrugar' (I'm used to waking up early).
What is the difference between 'usado' and 'de segunda mano'?: 'Usado' means previously owned or worn, while 'de segunda mano' (secondhand) is the phrase commonly found in classified ads and thrift stores. Both convey the same idea, but 'de segunda mano' is the preferred commercial term.