ocupada
“ocupada” means “busy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
busy, tied up
Also: engaged
📝 In Action
Mi hermana está muy ocupada con el nuevo proyecto.
A1My sister is very busy with the new project.
¿Puedes llamarme más tarde? Ahora estoy ocupada.
A1Can you call me later? I am busy right now.
La semana pasada fue una semana muy ocupada para ella.
A2Last week was a very busy week for her.
occupied, taken
Also: engaged, inhabited
📝 In Action
La única silla libre ya estaba ocupada.
A2The only free chair was already taken.
No puedo llamar a casa; la línea telefónica está ocupada.
B1I can't call home; the phone line is engaged (busy).
La casa fue ocupada por una familia de refugiados.
B2The house was occupied by a refugee family.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "ocupada" in Spanish:
inhabited→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ocupada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'ocupada' to mean a scheduled event, not a location?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin verb *occupare*, meaning 'to seize,' 'to take possession of,' or 'to fill up space.' The modern Spanish meaning of 'busy' is a natural extension of 'having one's time or space already taken up.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'ocupada' instead of 'ocupado'?
'Ocupada' is the feminine form. You use it any time you are describing a feminine person or a feminine noun (like 'la mujer,' 'la mesa,' or 'la línea'). If you were describing a man ('el hombre') or a masculine noun ('el asiento'), you would use 'ocupado'.
Is 'ocupada' a temporary or permanent state?
It is almost always used to describe a temporary state, which is why it usually pairs with the verb 'estar.' Being busy or having a seat taken is a condition that can change.