Inklingo
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ocupados

/oh-koo-PAH-dohs/

busy

Two cartoon figures sitting side-by-side at small office desks, deeply focused on multiple tasks simultaneously, indicating they are busy.

When referring to people, 'ocupados' means 'busy'.

ocupados(Adjective)

mA1

busy

?

referring to people

,

engaged

?

referring to people

Also:

preoccupied

?

mentally busy

📝 In Action

Mis padres están ocupados con el jardín este fin de semana.

A1

My parents are busy with the garden this weekend.

No podemos hablar ahora, los técnicos están ocupados en una reunión.

A2

We can't talk now, the technicians are engaged in a meeting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • atareados (busy (with tasks))
  • liados (tied up (informal))

Antonyms

  • libres (free)
  • desocupados (unoccupied)

Common Collocations

  • estar ocupados – to be busy
  • mantenerse ocupados – to keep themselves busy

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

Since 'ocupados' ends in -os, it must describe two or more masculine nouns, or a mixed group (e.g., two men, or a man and a woman). Remember to change the ending to match the people or things you are describing.

Temporary State (Estar)

This adjective usually pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) because being 'busy' is a temporary condition or state.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser'

Mistake: "Ellos son ocupados."

Correction: Ellos están ocupados. (Use 'estar' because busyness is a temporary state, not a permanent characteristic.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Asking about availability

To politely ask if a group is busy, you can say: '¿Están ocupados ahora?'

A simple wooden park bench with two people already seated upon it, indicating that the seats are currently taken.

When referring to spaces or seats, 'ocupados' means 'occupied'.

ocupados(Adjective)

mA2

occupied

?

referring to spaces/seats

,

taken

?

referring to seats/rooms

Also:

filled

?

of positions or spots

📝 In Action

Todos los puestos de trabajo estaban ocupados por nuevos empleados.

B1

All the job positions were occupied by new employees.

Lo siento, esos asientos ya están ocupados.

A2

I'm sorry, those seats are already taken.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tomados (taken)
  • llenos (full (of a container))

Antonyms

  • vacíos (empty)
  • libres (free/available)

Common Collocations

  • asientos ocupados – occupied seats
  • territorios ocupados – occupied territories

💡 Grammar Points

The Passive Voice

When 'ocupados' is used with 'ser,' it often indicates the passive voice, describing an action done to the object: 'Los cuartos fueron ocupados' (The rooms were occupied).

⭐ Usage Tips

Checking availability

If you see a sign that says 'Ocupado,' it means the room or restroom is currently in use.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: ocupados

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'ocupados' to mean 'busy'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ocupar(to occupy, to take up) - verb
ocupación(occupation, job) - noun
ocupada(busy (feminine singular)) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'ocupados' end in -os?

It is the plural masculine form. It must be used when describing two or more masculine people or things, or a mixed group of men and women. If you were describing a group of women, you would use 'ocupadas.'

Is 'ocupado' always used with 'estar'?

Almost always, yes. Since 'being busy' or 'being taken' is a temporary state, we use 'estar.' You would only use 'ser' if you were talking about the permanent state of a place being occupied, usually in a historical or passive context, like 'Esos territorios eran ocupados por el ejército.'