Inklingo

How to Say "busy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “busy” is “ocupado” — use 'ocupado' when referring to a person who has many commitments or is currently engaged in activities, making them unavailable.

ocupado🔊A1

Use 'ocupado' when referring to a person who has many commitments or is currently engaged in activities, making them unavailable.

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activo🔊A1

Use 'activo' to describe someone who is energetic and engaged in activities, particularly in a positive or healthy way, like exercising.

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llenas🔊A1

While 'llenas' means 'full', it can imply a busy state when referring to schedules or life, suggesting a lack of free space or time.

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agitado🔊B1

Use 'agitado' to describe a day or schedule that is hectic, full of activity, and perhaps a bit stressful or chaotic.

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movido🔊B1

Use 'movido' to describe a place or time period that is lively, active, and full of movement or events, like a busy street or a lively night.

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barroco🔊C1

Use 'barroco' to describe something, especially a style of writing or art, that is overly elaborate, complex, and visually busy.

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English → Spanish

ocupado

oh-koo-PAH-dohokuˈpaðo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'ocupado' when referring to a person who has many commitments or is currently engaged in activities, making them unavailable.
A busy cartoon beaver wearing a headset and actively typing at a desk piled high with colorful documents.

Examples

Lo siento, no puedo ir al cine, estoy muy ocupado.

I'm sorry, I can't go to the movies, I'm very busy.

Ella es una doctora muy ocupada, siempre tiene pacientes.

She is a very busy doctor, she always has patients.

Nos mantuvimos ocupados todo el fin de semana con la mudanza.

We kept ourselves busy all weekend with the move.

Always Use with 'Estar'

When you say someone is busy, you're talking about their current state or condition, which can change. For this, always use the verb 'estar'. So, you say 'estoy ocupado' (I am busy), not 'soy ocupado'.

Matching the Person

This word must change to match the person you're talking about. Use 'ocupado' for a man, 'ocupada' for a woman, 'ocupados' for a group of men or a mixed group, and 'ocupadas' for a group of women.

Confusing 'Ocupado' and 'Preocupado'

Mistake: “Estoy muy preocupado con el trabajo, tengo muchas reuniones.”

Correction: Estoy muy ocupado con el trabajo, tengo muchas reuniones. 'Ocupado' means busy, while 'preocupado' sounds similar but means worried.

activo

ahk-TEE-vohakˈti.βo

adjectiveA1general
Use 'activo' to describe someone who is energetic and engaged in activities, particularly in a positive or healthy way, like exercising.
A drawing of a busy child running quickly while holding books and smiling, illustrating a lively and engaged person.

Examples

Mi abuelo todavía es muy activo y hace ejercicio todos los días.

My grandfather is still very active and exercises every day.

Necesitamos un plan activo para resolver el problema rápidamente.

We need an active plan to solve the problem quickly.

Ella es una ciudadana muy activa en su comunidad.

She is a very active citizen in her community.

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'activo' must match the thing it describes. If you are describing a female noun (like 'persona'), use 'activa'. If it's plural (like 'niños'), use 'activos'.

Confusing Form

Mistake: “La persona está activo.”

Correction: La persona está activa. (Always match the gender of the noun.)

llenas

YEH-nahsˈʎe.nas

adjectiveA1general
While 'llenas' means 'full', it can imply a busy state when referring to schedules or life, suggesting a lack of free space or time.
A simple drawing of a clear glass jar that is completely filled to the very top with colorful candies, illustrating the concept of being completely occupied.

Examples

Las bolsas de la compra están llenas.

The shopping bags are full.

Mis clases están llenas de estudiantes nuevos.

My classes are full of new students.

Después de la comida, nos sentimos llenas.

After the meal, we (females) feel full.

Matching Gender and Number

As an adjective, 'llenas' must match the noun it describes. Since it ends in -as, it must describe plural feminine nouns like 'botellas' (bottles) or 'maletas' (suitcases).

agitado

ah-hee-TAH-dohaxiˈtaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'agitado' to describe a day or schedule that is hectic, full of activity, and perhaps a bit stressful or chaotic.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person with many arms holding various items like a grocery bag, a watering can, a broom, and a phone, showing a busy day.

Examples

He tenido un día muy agitado en la oficina.

I've had a very busy day at the office.

El mar está agitado y no es seguro nadar.

The sea is rough and it's not safe to swim.

Llevan un estilo de vida muy agitado.

They lead a very hectic lifestyle.

Matching Endings

Remember to change the ending to 'agitada' if you are describing something feminine, like 'una semana' (a week) or 'la respiración' (breathing).

Using 'Estar'

When talking about the sea or a person's current state, use the verb 'estar' (to be) because it describes a temporary condition.

Confusing Busy with Excited

Mistake: “Estoy agitado por la fiesta.”

Correction: Estoy emocionado por la fiesta. 'Agitado' usually means restless or too busy, while 'emocionado' means happy/excited.

movido

moh-VEE-dohmoˈβi.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'movido' to describe a place or time period that is lively, active, and full of movement or events, like a busy street or a lively night.
A group of people dancing energetically with smiles on their faces in a colorful room, indicating a lively atmosphere.

Examples

Fue una noche muy movida en el centro de la ciudad.

It was a very lively/busy night in the city center.

Tuvimos un mes de trabajo muy movido antes de las vacaciones.

We had a very busy month of work before the holidays.

La película era muy movida y llena de acción.

The movie was very action-packed and full of excitement.

Adjective Agreement

Like all Spanish adjectives, 'movido' must match the thing it describes in both gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural): 'la fiesta movida' (feminine singular) or 'los días movidos' (masculine plural).

barroco

bah-RRO-kohbaˈroko

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'barroco' to describe something, especially a style of writing or art, that is overly elaborate, complex, and visually busy.
A single piece of string tied into an incredibly large, messy, and complicated knot.

Examples

Su forma de escribir es un poco barroca y difícil de seguir.

His way of writing is a bit overly complex and hard to follow.

Ese vestido es demasiado barroco para una fiesta sencilla.

That dress is too busy/ornate for a simple party.

No uses un lenguaje tan barroco, sé más directo.

Don't use such complicated language; be more direct.

Degrees of complexity

When used metaphorically, 'barroco' often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting something is 'too much' or 'excessive'.

Confusing with 'muddy'

Mistake: “Su ropa está barroca.”

Correction: Su ropa está llena de barro (mud). Don't confuse 'barroco' with 'barro' (mud)!

Ocupado vs. Agitado

Learners often confuse 'ocupado' and 'agitado'. Remember, 'ocupado' usually refers to a person's availability (they are occupied), while 'agitado' describes the nature of a day or schedule (it is hectic).

Related Translations

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