ocupo
“ocupo” means “I occupy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
I occupy, I fill
Also: I hold
📝 In Action
Ocupo mucho espacio en mi escritorio con estos libros.
A1I occupy a lot of space on my desk with these books.
Yo ocupo la posición de gerente aquí.
B1I hold the position of manager here.
I need, I require
📝 In Action
Ocupo comprar tortillas para la cena.
A2I need to buy tortillas for dinner.
¿Qué ocupas de la tienda?
A2What do you need from the store?
Ocupo el dinero ahora mismo.
A2I need the money right now.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: ocupo
Question 1 of 2
If you are in Mexico and someone says, 'Ocupo un taxi,' what do they mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *occupāre*, meaning 'to take possession of, to seize, or to fill up'. This root explains both modern meanings: taking possession of a space (occupy) and taking possession of something you lack (need).
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'ocupo' used throughout all Spanish-speaking countries to mean 'I need'?
No. The usage of 'ocupo' for 'I need' is specific to Mexico and parts of Central America. In Spain and most of South America, 'ocupo' only means 'I occupy/I am busy,' and you should use 'necesito' for 'I need.'
How do I know if 'ocupo' means 'need' or 'occupy'?
Context is key, but the region is the biggest clue. If you are in Mexico and it's followed by a thing or an action ('Ocupo agua,' 'Ocupo comer'), it means 'I need.' If it's followed by a place or position ('Ocupo este asiento'), it means 'I occupy.'