  We recall the relation between the Lie superalgebra $osp(1/2n)$ and para-Bose
operators. The quantum superalgebra $U_q[osp(1/2n)]$, defined as usual in terms
of its Chevalley generators, is shown to be isomorphic to an associative
algebra generated by so-called pre-oscillator operators satisfying a number of
relations. From these relations, and the analogue with the non-deformed case,
one can interpret these pre-oscillator operators as deformed para-Bose
operators. Some consequences for $U_q[osp(1/2n)]$ (Cartan-Weyl basis,
Poincar\'e-Birkhoff-Witt basis) and its Hopf subalgebra $U_q[gl(n)]$ are
pointed out. Finally, using a realization in terms of ``$q$-commuting''
$q$-bosons, we construct an irreducible finite-dimensional unitary Fock
representation of $U_q[osp(1/2n)]$ and its decomposition in terms of
$U_q[gl(n)]$ representations when $q$ is a root of unity.
