Meaning and Usage
"中古" (ちゅうこ) means "used" or "second-hand," referring to items that have been previously owned or used by someone else. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about goods like cars, books, electronics, or clothing.
Common Contexts
You will often see "中古" in shops, advertisements, or when discussing purchases to indicate that the item is not brand new but still usable. It can imply a lower price compared to new items.
Collocations and Patterns
- 中古の車 (ちゅうこのくるま): used car
- 中古品 (ちゅうこひん): used goods or items
- 中古市場 (ちゅうこいちば): second-hand market
These collocations are useful when shopping or discussing buying and selling.
Register and Nuance
"中古" is neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. It does not carry a negative connotation by itself but simply states the item's status.
Common Learner Mistake
Some learners confuse "中古" with "古い" (ふるい), which means "old." "中古" specifically means "used," regardless of the item's age, while "古い" refers to something being old or aged. For example, a brand-new item can be old-fashioned but not "中古."