preocupen
preh-oh-Koo-pen
Quick Reference
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Reflexive' SE
The word 'preocupen' almost always follows the pronoun 'se' (se preocupen). This 'se' tells you that the people are doing the worrying to themselves, making it 'to worry' (instead of 'preocupar,' which means 'to worry someone else').
The Subjunctive Mood
'Preocupen' is a special verb form used when expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or necessity about 'them' (ellos/ellas) or the formal 'you all' (ustedes). It often follows trigger words like 'Espero que' (I hope that) or 'Dudo que' (I doubt that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'SE'
Mistake: "Using 'No preocupen' for 'Don't worry.'"
Correction: The correct command is 'No se preocupen.' Always include the reflexive 'se' when telling someone not to worry.
Confusing Command Forms
Mistake: "Using 'preocupan' (present tense) in a command."
Correction: Commands use the special form: 'No se preocupen' (command) vs. 'Ellos se preocupan' (they are worrying now). The ending changes from '-an' to '-en'.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Go-To Phrase
If you need to reassure a group of people (like clients, students, or colleagues) not to worry, 'No se preocupen' is the perfect, polite, and formal phrase to use.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preocupen
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'preocupen' correctly as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
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).