preocupe
pre-oh-KOO-peh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
No se preocupe por mi llegada tarde; ya estoy aquí.
A2Don't worry about my late arrival; I'm already here.
Es crucial que mi jefe se preocupe por el bienestar del equipo.
B1It is crucial that my boss worries about the team's well-being.
Dudo que ella se preocupe realmente por el problema.
B2I doubt that she really worries about the problem.
Quizás yo me preocupe demasiado por los detalles.
B1Maybe I worry too much about the details.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Worry' Form (Subjunctive)
'Preocupe' is the special verb form (the subjunctive) used when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessary actions. You use it after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...).
Formal Command Form
When giving a command to someone formally (usted), 'preocupe' is the core of the command. In the very common phrase 'Don't worry,' you add the reflexive pronoun: 'No se preocupe.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Se'
Mistake: "No preocupe por esto."
Correction: No se preocupe por esto. When talking about worrying yourself, you must include the little word 'se' before the verb form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Command
If you hear 'preocupe,' nine times out of ten it is part of the friendly and polite phrase 'No se preocupe,' which is essential for conversations.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preocupe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'preocupe' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'preocupe' sometimes have 'se' attached (se preocupe)?
'Preocupar' by itself means 'to concern someone else' (like 'The news worries me'). But when you worry *yourself*, Spanish uses the reflexive pronoun 'se' (or me/te/nos, etc.) to show the action circles back to the subject. 'Preocuparse' means 'to worry oneself,' which is the most common usage.