Level 5

중고

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Meaning and Usage

The Korean word '중고' refers to items that are used or second-hand. It is commonly used when talking about goods that have been previously owned, such as cars, books, electronics, and clothes.

Common Contexts

You will often hear '중고' in everyday conversations about buying or selling items. For example, '중고차' means a used car, and '중고책' means a used book. It is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 중고차 (used car): Refers to cars that are not new.
  • 중고 물건 (second-hand goods): General phrase for used items.
  • 중고로 사다/팔다 (to buy/sell second-hand): Common verbs used with '중고'.

Tips for Learners

When using '중고', make sure to check the condition of the item, as the word implies previous use. A common mistake is to confuse '중고' with '새것' (new item). Remember, '중고' always means the item is not brand new.

Using '중고' correctly helps you sound natural when discussing buying or selling used items in Korean.

Example Sentences

중고 자동차를 사는 것이 새 차를 사는 것보다 저렴해요.

Junggo jadongchareul saneun geosi sae chareul saneun geotboda jeoryeomhaeyo.

Buying a used car is cheaper than buying a new one.

중고 책방에서 원하는 책을 찾았어요.

Junggo chaekbangeseo wonhaneun chaekeul chajasseoyo.

I found the book I wanted at the used bookstore.

중고 물건을 살 때는 상태를 꼼꼼히 확인해야 해요.

Junggo mulgeoneul sal ttaeneun sangtaereul kkomkkomhi hwakinhaeya haeyo.

When buying second-hand items, you need to carefully check their condition.