ocupa
/oh-KOO-pah/
occupies
When something 'ocupa' (occupies) space, it takes up the available room.
ocupa(verb)
occupies
?takes up space or time
,is busy
?is doing something
holds (a position)
?professional role
,takes care of
?handles a task
📝 In Action
Mi trabajo me ocupa mucho tiempo libre.
A2My job takes up a lot of my free time.
Ella ocupa el puesto de directora de marketing.
B1She holds the position of marketing director.
¿Quién ocupa ese asiento? Está reservado.
A1Who is occupying that seat? It's reserved.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Ocupar' Reflexively
To say you are busy or occupied, you must use the reflexive form: 'ocuparse'. For example, 'Estoy ocupado' (I am busy) comes from 'Yo me ocupo' (I occupy myself).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Ocupar' and 'Preocupar'
Mistake: "Using 'ocupa' when you mean 'preocupa' (it worries)."
Correction: If something causes worry, use 'preocupa'. If it just takes time or space, use 'ocupa'. 'Me preocupa el examen' (The exam worries me).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Command
'Ocupa' is the familiar command form ('Tú') meaning 'Occupy!' or 'Take possession!' The formal command ('Usted') is 'Ocupe'.
A person who 'ocupa' (squats) is someone living in a building without legal authorization.
📝 In Action
El ayuntamiento intenta negociar con los ocupas del edificio.
B2The city council is trying to negotiate with the squatters in the building.
Una ocupa denunció que la vivienda estaba en mal estado.
C1A female squatter reported that the dwelling was in poor condition.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Origin
This noun comes directly from the third-person verb form 'ocupa' (he/she occupies), which is common in Spanish for creating nouns that describe a person based on their action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spelling Note
Although the standard spelling is 'ocupa', you will often see it written with a 'k' ('okupa') in social or political writing, linking it to the European squatting movement.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocupa
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'ocupa' as a noun (meaning squatter)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ocupa' a formal or informal word?
The verb form of 'ocupa' (he/she occupies) is completely neutral and can be used in any situation. However, the noun 'un ocupa' (squatter) is informal and often appears in contexts related to social issues or activism.
How is the noun 'ocupa' different from 'ocupante'?
'Ocupante' is a neutral, formal term for anyone who is occupying a place (e.g., 'the occupant of the car'). 'Ocupa' specifically refers to someone who is illegally occupying a vacant property, usually without permission.