preocupar
“preocupar” means “to worry” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to worry
Also: to concern
📝 In Action
Tu salud me preocupa mucho.
A2Your health worries me a lot.
No quiero preocupar a mis padres con mis problemas.
B1I don't want to worry my parents with my problems.
Lo que más preocupa a los expertos es el cambio climático.
B2What concerns experts the most is climate change.
to worry about
Also: to care about
📝 In Action
Me preocupo por ti.
A2I worry about you.
¡No te preocupes! Todo va a estar bien.
A1Don't worry! Everything is going to be fine.
Ella se preocupa de que sus hijos coman bien.
B1She makes sure (worries) that her children eat well.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preocupar
Question 1 of 3
How would you say 'This situation worries me'?
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👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'praeoccupare', which combines 'prae' (before) and 'occupare' (to seize or occupy). Originally, it meant to take possession of something before others, which evolved into 'occupying' the mind with thoughts of future problems.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between preocupar and preocuparse?
'Preocupar' is when something *else* causes worry (like a bill worrying you), while 'preocuparse' is the act of *you* feeling worried about something.
Can 'preocuparse de' mean something other than being nervous?
Yes! 'Preocuparse de' can mean to take responsibility for something, similar to 'making sure' or 'tending to' a task.
Is 'preocupar' a regular verb?
Yes, it follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar in all tenses.