Translation guide
The English word "used" has two main meanings: (1) something is second-hand or not new, and (2) something was utilized or employed in the past. This guide covers both, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions.
Describing an item that has been previously owned or used, such as a used car, used book, or used clothing.
used car · used books · used clothing · used furniture
The most common and neutral word for 'used' or 'second-hand', especially for goods like cars, electronics, and books. Often used in compound nouns.
中古車を買いました。
I bought a used car.
中古のスマホを探しています。
I'm looking for a used smartphone.
Specifically means 'used clothing'. Very common for thrift store or vintage clothing.
古着屋でジャケットを買った。
I bought a jacket at a used clothing store.
Loanword from English 'used'. Often seen in fashion contexts or trendy shops. Can sound slightly more stylish than 中古.
ユーズドのジーンズを買うのが好きです。
I like buying used jeans.
Refers to hand-me-downs, especially clothing or items passed from older siblings to younger ones. Implies it was used within a family or close circle.
これは姉のお下がりの服です。
These are hand-me-down clothes from my older sister.
Abbreviation of 'second hand'. Slangy and somewhat dated; mostly used for cars or motorcycles.
セコハンのバイクを買った。
I bought a second-hand motorcycle.
Expressing that something was used for a purpose, or that someone used something. This often corresponds to the past tense of 'use'.
I used a pen. · She used the computer. · They used public transportation.
The standard way to say 'used (something)' as a past action. 使う (つかう) means 'to use'.
昨日、新しい包丁を使った。
I used the new kitchen knife yesterday.
彼はそのお金を旅行に使った。
He used the money for a trip.
More formal version of 使った. 使用 (しよう) means 'use' or 'utilization'. Common in written or official contexts.
この製品は厳選された材料を使用しています。
This product uses carefully selected materials.
Implies making use of a service, system, or opportunity. 利用 (りよう) is often used for facilities, public transport, or websites.
図書館を利用して調べ物をした。
I used the library to do some research.
Formal/literary equivalent of 使った. Often used in academic or technical writing.
最新の技術を用いた実験を行った。
We conducted an experiment using the latest technology.
Expressing that someone is used to something or accustomed to a situation. This corresponds to 'used to' in the sense of being familiar.
I'm used to the cold weather. · She is used to driving on the left.
The most common way to say 'be used to (something)'. 慣れる (なれる) means 'to get used to'.
日本の生活に慣れていますか？
Are you used to life in Japan?
彼は早起きに慣れている。
He is used to getting up early.
Past tense, meaning 'got used to' or 'became accustomed to'.
新しい仕事にすぐ慣れた。
I quickly got used to the new job.
Expressing a past habitual action or state that is no longer true. This corresponds to 'used to' + verb.
I used to live in Tokyo. · We used to go fishing every summer.
A common pattern for 'used to do' expressing nostalgic or habitual past actions. よく means 'often'.
子供の頃、よくこの公園で遊んだものだ。
When I was a child, I used to play in this park.
The past progressive form can also express a past habitual state or repeated action, especially with time expressions.
昔はよく映画を見に行っていた。
I used to go to the movies often.
Using 以前は (before/formerly) with past tense verb can convey 'used to'.
以前はタバコを吸っていたが、今は吸わない。
I used to smoke, but I don't anymore.
In English, 'used' can be an adjective meaning second-hand, or part of the phrase 'used to' for past habits or familiarity. Japanese uses completely different structures for these meanings. Always identify the intended meaning before translating.
中古 is the standard, neutral term for second-hand goods. ユーズド is a loanword often used in fashion or trendy contexts, and can sound more stylish or casual. For most everyday items, 中古 is safer.
When saying 'I used X', the particle を marks the object. For tools or means, you can also use で (e.g., ペンで書いた 'I wrote with a pen'), but を使った emphasizes the act of using.
中古車を買いました。
I bought a used car.
彼女は私のパソコンを使った。
She used my computer.
辛い食べ物に慣れています。
I'm used to spicy food.
彼は昔サッカーをしていた。
He used to play soccer.