preocupen
“preocupen” means “they worry” in Spanish (Subjunctive use: expressing wish/doubt).
they worry, you all worry, don't worry
Also: they might worry
📝 In Action
Espero que los niños no se preocupen por el examen.
B1I hope the children don't worry about the test.
No se preocupen, todo saldrá bien.
A2Don't worry (you all), everything will turn out fine.
Quizás se preocupen si no llegamos a tiempo.
B2Maybe they will worry if we don't arrive on time.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: preocupen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'preocupen' correctly as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *praeoccupāre*, meaning 'to take possession of beforehand' or 'to seize first.' This meaning evolved in Spanish to 'occupy the mind' and finally 'to worry oneself.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'preocupen' always used with 'se'?
When the meaning is 'to worry oneself' (the most common use), yes, it must be used with 'se' (se preocupen). The non-reflexive verb 'preocupar' means 'to cause someone else to worry,' which is a much less common structure.
How do I say 'Don't worry' to just one person (formal)?
You would use the singular formal command: 'No se preocupe' (changing the ending from -en to -e).