ocupar
/oh-koo-PAHR/
to occupy
Ocupar: To occupy (take up space).
ocupar(verb)
to occupy
?take up space or time
,to take up
?space or attention
to fill
?a seat or spot
,to hold
?a seat
📝 In Action
¿Este asiento está ocupado?
A1Is this seat taken (occupied)?
Mi trabajo ocupa la mayor parte de mi día.
A2My job takes up the majority of my day.
La mesa tan grande ocupa demasiado espacio en la cocina.
B1The large table occupies too much space in the kitchen.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Use
This meaning uses the standard verb form and directly acts on a thing (space, time, or a seat) without needing extra prepositions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking if a Seat is Taken
The most common way to ask if a seat is available is using the past participle as an adjective: '¿Está ocupado?'
Ocupar: To hold (a position or office).
📝 In Action
El presidente ocupa el cargo por cuatro años.
B1The president holds the post for four years.
Necesitamos a alguien que ocupe esta vacante inmediatamente.
B2We need someone to fill this vacancy immediately.
💡 Grammar Points
Professional Context
When talking about jobs, 'ocupar' means you currently hold that role. It is transitive, meaning the job title is the direct receiver of the action.
Ocupar: To occupy (military control).
📝 In Action
El ejército ocupó la capital tras la revuelta.
B2The army occupied the capital after the revolt.
Los manifestantes ocuparon el edificio gubernamental.
C1The protesters seized (occupied) the government building.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use in News
This meaning is very common in Spanish-language journalism when reporting on territorial disputes or protests.
Ocupar: To take care of (a task or person).
ocupar(verb)
to take care of
?a task or person
,to deal with
?a problem or situation
to be busy with
?an activity
,to handle
?a responsibility
📝 In Action
No te preocupes, yo me ocupo de la cena.
A2Don't worry, I'll take care of dinner.
Siempre se ocupa de que todo esté perfecto.
B1He always makes sure (takes care) that everything is perfect.
¿De qué te ocupas en tu trabajo?
B1What do you deal with (What are you busy with) in your job?
💡 Grammar Points
The Reflexive Rule
This verb must always use a reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os, se) and nearly always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by the thing you are dealing with.
Reflexive Conjugation Example
The conjugation is the same as the regular verb, but you must add the appropriate pronoun before the verb: 'Yo me ocupo', 'Tú te ocupas', 'Él se ocupa', etc.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting 'de'
Mistake: "Me ocupo los problemas."
Correction: Me ocupo de los problemas. (You must link the verb to the object using 'de' in this reflexive context.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Handling Tasks
If you want to volunteer to do something, simply say, 'Yo me ocupo.' It's a very polite and common way to offer help.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocupar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the reflexive form ('ocuparse') correctly?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'ocupar' and 'ocuparse'?
'Ocupar' is transitive and means 'to take up' or 'to fill' (space, a job, a seat). 'Ocuparse (de)' is reflexive and means 'to handle,' 'to deal with,' or 'to take care of' a task or responsibility.
How do I say 'I am busy'?
The most common way is using the past participle with 'estar': 'Estoy ocupado' (if you are male) or 'Estoy ocupada' (if you are female).