preocupado
/preh-oh-koo-PAH-doh/
worried
When used as an adjective, preocupado describes someone who is worried or concerned.
preocupado(Adjective)
worried
?feeling anxiety or concern
,concerned
?caring about an issue
anxious
?having general feelings of uneasiness
📝 In Action
Mi hermano está muy preocupado por su entrevista de trabajo.
A2My brother is very worried about his job interview.
Si estás preocupada (femenino), deberías hablar con alguien.
A2If you are concerned, you should talk to someone.
Los padres estaban preocupados por la baja nota de su hijo.
B1The parents were worried about their son's low grade.
Ella se siente menos preocupada ahora que tiene un plan.
B1She feels less worried now that she has a plan.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'preocupado' is a descriptive word (an adjective), its ending must match the person or thing it describes in both gender and number: 'preocupado' (m.), 'preocupada' (f.), 'preocupados' (m. plural), 'preocupadas' (f. plural).
Use 'Estar' for States
When talking about how someone feels right now (a temporary state), you must use the verb 'estar' (to be) before 'preocupado,' not 'ser.' For example: 'Estoy preocupado' (I am worried).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Agreement
Mistake: "Mi madre está preocupado."
Correction: Mi madre está preocupada. (The ending must change to '-a' because 'madre' is feminine.)
Using the Wrong 'To Be'
Mistake: "Yo soy preocupado."
Correction: Yo estoy preocupado. (Use 'estar' for temporary emotions, not 'ser,' which is for permanent traits.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Preposition 'Por'
To specify what you are worried about, almost always use the preposition 'por' (for/about): 'Preocupado por la lluvia.' (Worried about the rain.)
Preocupado is also the past participle of the verb preocupar, meaning 'to worry,' used to form compound tenses.
📝 In Action
Ella ha preocupado a sus amigos con su silencio.
B1She has worried her friends with her silence.
Nunca me había preocupado el dinero hasta ahora.
B2Money had never worried me until now.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Perfect Tenses
This form ('preocupado') is combined with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create compound tenses like the present perfect ('ha preocupado' - has worried). When used this way, the ending never changes, remaining 'preocupado' regardless of who is doing the worrying.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preocupado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'preocupado' to describe Maria?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'preocupado' or 'preocupación'?
'Preocupación' (noun) is the feeling itself, like 'The worry is enormous.' 'Preocupado' (adjective) describes someone who has that feeling, like 'He is worried.'
Do I use 'preocupado' or 'preocupar' when I want to say 'I worry'?
You use the verb 'preocupar' (to worry). If you mean 'I worry myself' (the most common structure), you say 'Me preocupo.' If you mean 'I am worried' (a description), you say 'Estoy preocupado.'