ocuparme
/oh-koo-PAHR-meh/
to take care of
This image shows someone taking care of a responsibility, illustrating the meaning of ocuparme as "to take care of."
ocuparme(verb)
to take care of
?handling a task or responsibility
,to deal with
?managing a situation
to handle
?managing logistics
,to see to
?ensuring something is done
📝 In Action
No te preocupes por el pago; yo voy a ocuparme de eso mañana.
B1Don't worry about the payment; I am going to take care of that tomorrow.
Antes de irme, tengo que ocuparme de cerrar todas las ventanas.
B2Before I leave, I have to deal with closing all the windows.
Si nadie más lo hace, me toca a mí ocuparme de organizar la reunión.
B2If no one else does it, it's my turn to handle organizing the meeting.
💡 Grammar Points
The Necessary 'de'
When you use 'ocuparme' to talk about what you are handling, you almost always need the preposition 'de' right after the verb (e.g., 'ocuparme de la situación').
Reflexive Form (The 'me')
The 'me' attached to the end shows that the action (occupying) is focused back on the speaker ('I occupy myself'). This is the standard way to express 'taking responsibility' in Spanish.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'de'
Mistake: "Voy a ocuparme el trabajo."
Correction: Voy a ocuparme *del* trabajo. (Remember to include 'de' before the task you are handling.)
Confusing with 'Preocuparse'
Mistake: "Me ocupo si no llamas. (Meaning: I worry if you don't call.)"
Correction: Me *preocupo* si no llamas. ('Ocuparse' means to handle a task; 'preocuparse' means to worry.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Infinitive
'Ocuparme' is the infinitive form used when it follows another conjugated verb, usually 'ir a' (to be going to) or 'tener que' (to have to).
The child is busy engaging in an activity, which represents the meaning of ocuparme as "to be busy (with)."
ocuparme(verb)
to be busy (with)
?engaging in an activity
to employ oneself (in)
?spending time on a project
📝 In Action
Durante el invierno, me ocupo en leer novelas históricas.
B2During the winter, I keep myself busy reading historical novels.
Es bueno ocuparme en algo productivo para no pensar demasiado.
C1It's good for me to occupy myself with something productive so I don't think too much.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'en'
When 'ocuparme' means 'to be busy with an activity,' you usually follow it with the preposition 'en' (e.g., 'me ocupo en pintar').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ocuparme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'ocuparme' to mean 'to take care of a task'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'me' attached to the end of the verb 'ocuparme'?
The 'me' is a reflexive pronoun meaning 'myself.' When you attach it to the infinitive (the base form of the verb), it shows that the action of 'occupying' is directed back at the speaker ('I'm taking care of myself/I'm handling it'). This structure is common when the verb follows another conjugated verb, like 'necesito' or 'voy a'.
What is the difference between 'ocupar' and 'ocuparme'?
'Ocupar' (without the 'me') means 'to occupy' a space or job (e.g., 'El coche ocupa dos plazas' - The car occupies two spaces). 'Ocuparme' (with the 'me') is the reflexive form, meaning 'to take care of' or 'to deal with' a task, shifting the focus to responsibility rather than physical space.