ocupo
/oh-KOO-poh/
I occupy
Ocupo: I occupy (space). The bird occupies the nest.
ocupo(verb)
I occupy
?physical space or time
,I fill
?a space or position
I hold
?a job or position
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -AR Verb
The verb 'ocupar' is very predictable. Its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs that end in -ar.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Time
You can use 'ocupar' to talk about how a task or hobby takes up your time: 'El trabajo me ocupa toda la mañana' (Work occupies/takes up my whole morning).
Ocupo: I need (necessity). The fox needs water.
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Regional Use
In Mexico and parts of Central America, 'ocupo' is used exactly like 'necesito' (I need). If you hear it, understand it means necessity, not occupation.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ocupo' Everywhere
Mistake: "Using 'ocupo' instead of 'necesito' outside of Mexico and Central America."
Correction: In Spain, the Caribbean, and South America, use 'necesito' for 'I need' to avoid confusion, as 'ocupo' will only mean 'I occupy' there.
⭐ Usage Tips
Verb Structure for Need
When 'ocupo' means 'I need to do something,' it is often followed directly by the infinitive (the base verb): 'Ocupo estudiar' (I need to study).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ 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
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.'