It describes any item that is not brand-new and has had a previous owner.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to items that have been previously owned or used.
- Commonly used in retail, real estate, and online marketplaces.
- Implies a lower price compared to brand-new products.
概要
「中古（ちゅうこ）」とは、新品（しんぴん）ではない、一度誰かに所有・使用された商品を指す言葉です。主に物品の売買において、その状態を明確にするために使われます。2) 使用パターン: 名詞として単独で使われるほか、「中古車」「中古住宅」「中古品」のように他の名詞と組み合わせて複合語として使われることが非常に多いです。3) 一般的な文脈: メルカリなどのフリマアプリや、リサイクルショップ、不動産取引などで日常的に耳にします。特に価格が新品より安くなることが前提となっている文脈で頻出します。4) 類語との比較: 「古着（ふるぎ）」は衣類に限定されますが、「中古」は車、家電、本などあらゆる物に使えます。「リサイクル品」や「ユーズド」という言葉もほぼ同じ意味ですが、「中古」が最も一般的で中立的な表現です。
Examples
中古のカメラを買いました。
everydayI bought a second-hand camera.
中古車市場は拡大しています。
formalThe second-hand car market is expanding.
これ、中古だけどきれいだよ。
informalThis is second-hand, but it's clean.
中古住宅の耐震性能が議論されている。
academicThe seismic performance of second-hand houses is being debated.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
中古を買う
To buy second-hand
中古市場
Second-hand market
中古品店
Second-hand shop
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to second-hand clothing. '中古' is broader and covers all types of items.
Emphasizes the recycling aspect. While synonyms, '中古' is more neutral regarding the item's history.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '中古' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. It is widely understood and carries no negative connotation. When referring to specific items, it is often prefixed to the noun (e.g., 中古車).
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes confuse it with 'old' (古い). While '中古' implies it is not new, it doesn't necessarily mean the item is broken or very old. Ensure you use it as a noun modifier for inanimate objects only.
Tips
Use with specific categories
Combine it with nouns like 'sha' (car) or 'hon' (book) to sound natural. For example, '中古車' is a very common term in Japan.
Check condition before buying
Always check the item's condition. Phrases like '状態が良い' (good condition) are often used in中古 listings.
Thrift culture in Japan
Japan has a huge market for second-hand goods. Stores like 'Hard Off' are famous for buying and selling中古 items.
Word Origin
Derived from '中' (middle) and '古' (old). It implies an item that has passed the 'new' stage and is now in the 'old' or 'used' stage.
Cultural Context
Japan has a robust second-hand market due to high standards for product maintenance. Buying '中古' is a very common and socially acceptable practice.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Chu-ko' as 'Choose-old'. You are choosing an item that has a history.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「中古」はあらゆる製品に使えますが、「古着」は服に限定されます。服であっても、あえて「中古の服」と言うこともあります。
「新品」の反対語は「中古」です。また、未使用に近い場合は「新古品」という言葉が使われることもあります。
状態（傷や汚れ）を確認することと、保証期間があるかどうかを確認することが重要です。特に精密機器は注意が必要です。
いいえ、全く失礼ではありません。単なる状態を表す客観的な言葉ですので、ビジネスでも日常会話でも問題なく使えます。
Test Yourself
予算が少ないので、___の車を探しています。
予算が少ないという文脈から、安価な中古車が適しています。
次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？
中古は物に対して使われ、通常は新品より安価です。
（中古／店で／を／買いました／カメラ）
「中古カメラ」という名詞句として使うのが最も自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes any item that is not brand-new and has had a previous owner.
- Refers to items that have been previously owned or used.
- Commonly used in retail, real estate, and online marketplaces.
- Implies a lower price compared to brand-new products.
Use with specific categories
Combine it with nouns like 'sha' (car) or 'hon' (book) to sound natural. For example, '中古車' is a very common term in Japan.
Check condition before buying
Always check the item's condition. Phrases like '状態が良い' (good condition) are often used in中古 listings.
Thrift culture in Japan
Japan has a huge market for second-hand goods. Stores like 'Hard Off' are famous for buying and selling中古 items.
Examples
4 of 4中古のカメラを買いました。
I bought a second-hand camera.
中古車市場は拡大しています。
The second-hand car market is expanding.
これ、中古だけどきれいだよ。
This is second-hand, but it's clean.
中古住宅の耐震性能が議論されている。
The seismic performance of second-hand houses is being debated.
Related Content
More home words
上に
B1Above; on top of.
不在
B1Absent; not present. Not in a particular place.
手頃な
B1Affordable, reasonable (price).
お先に
B1Excuse me for going first; said when leaving before others.
仲介
B1Mediation, agency (e.g., real estate).
あっ
B1Ah!; an exclamation of sudden realization or surprise.
エアコン
A2air conditioner
冷暖房
B1Air conditioning and heating system.
風通しの良い
B1Well-ventilated; airy.
～可
A2Suffix meaning "permitted" or "allowed".
