Inklingo
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preocupación

/preh-oh-koo-pah-SYOHN/

worry

A small, simple figure is sitting hunched over, looking distressed, with a small grey cloud hovering directly above their head, symbolizing a feeling of heaviness or anxiety.

When preocupación means 'worry', it describes the feeling of being anxious.

preocupación(noun)

fA2

worry

?

the feeling of being anxious

,

anxiety

?

a state of emotional distress

Also:

distress

?

deep emotional pain

,

apprehension

?

fearful expectation

📝 In Action

Siento mucha preocupación por el futuro de mis hijos.

A2

I feel a lot of worry about the future of my children.

La falta de sueño le causó una gran preocupación.

B1

The lack of sleep caused him great anxiety.

Ella disimuló su preocupación con una sonrisa.

B1

She hid her worry with a smile.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ansiedad (anxiety)
  • inquietud (restlessness, uneasiness)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • causar preocupación – to cause worry
  • aliviar la preocupación – to ease the worry

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Tener'

In Spanish, you often use the verb 'tener' (to have) with this word: 'Tengo preocupación' (I have worry/I am worried).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: "Soy preocupación."

Correction: Tengo preocupación, or better yet, Estoy preocupado/a (I am worried).

⭐ Usage Tips

Connecting the Cause

To say what the worry is about, use the preposition 'por': 'preocupación por el dinero' (worry about money).

Two large, simple hands are gently cupping and protecting a small, fragile green sapling growing from the dirt, illustrating careful attention to a specific issue.

When preocupación means 'concern', it refers to a specific issue or topic that requires attention or care.

preocupación(noun)

fB1

concern

?

a specific issue or topic

,

matter

?

an important issue

Also:

priority

?

something that needs attention first

📝 In Action

La seguridad de los datos es nuestra principal preocupación.

B1

Data security is our main concern (or priority).

El medio ambiente es una preocupación global para todos.

B2

The environment is a global concern for everyone.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • una preocupación constante – a constant concern
  • la mayor preocupación – the biggest concern

💡 Grammar Points

Using Articles

When talking about a specific issue, use the article 'la': 'La preocupación es la economía' (The concern is the economy).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

This meaning is often used in news, business, or formal discussions to identify key challenges or topics.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: preocupación

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the noun 'preocupación'?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'preocupación' y 'preocuparse'?

'Preocupación' is the noun, the feeling of worry itself (like 'anxiety'). 'Preocuparse' is the verb, the action of worrying (like 'to worry'). For example, 'La preocupación me hace preocuparme' (The worry makes me worry).

How do I say 'I am worried' using this word family?

You would typically use the past participle adjective: 'Estoy preocupado' (if you are male) or 'Estoy preocupada' (if you are female). While you can say 'Tengo preocupación,' 'Estoy preocupado/a' is much more natural.