preocupado
“preocupado” means “worried” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
worried, concerned
Also: anxious
📝 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.
worried
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preocupado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'preocupado' to describe Maria?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin prefix *prae-* (meaning 'before') and the verb *occupare* (meaning 'to seize' or 'to occupy'). The root verb *preocupar* literally means 'to occupy the mind beforehand,' which is exactly what worry is!
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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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.'