中古

• Reading: ちゅうこ
• Romaji: chuuko
• Kanji breakdown: 中 (chuu) — middle; 古 (ko) — old
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.ko/

Meaning

Used; second-hand. Previously owned goods, not brand new.

A pre-noun adjective commonly used when buying and selling goods: 中古車 (chuukosha, used car), 中古品 (chuukohin, second-hand item), 中古マンション (chuuko manshon, pre-owned apartment). Japan has a thriving second-hand market, and 中古 carries no negative stigma — items are often in excellent condition.

Examples

1. 中古の車を買ったが、状態がとても良い。 I bought a used car, and it's in great condition.
2. このゲームソフトは中古で安く手に入れた。 I got this video game second-hand for cheap.
3. 中古マンションをリフォームして住んでいる。 I renovated a pre-owned condo and live in it now.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, real estate, online marketplaces

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 中 (chuu, middle/intermediate) and 古 (ko, old). Originally meant 'middle antiquity' as a historical period, but shifted to mean goods in an intermediate state between new and discarded.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal