How to Say "in use" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “in use” is “ocupado” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Quise entrar al baño, pero la puerta decía 'ocupado'.
I wanted to go into the bathroom, but the door said 'occupied'.
Este asiento está ocupado, lo siento.
This seat is taken, sorry.
Intenté llamar a mi mamá, pero el teléfono estaba ocupado.
I tried to call my mom, but the phone was busy/engaged.
Still Uses 'Estar'
Just like when a person is busy, a place being 'taken' is a temporary state. So you continue to use 'estar'. For example, 'El baño está ocupado' (The bathroom is occupied).
Matching the Thing
The word ending must change to match the thing it describes. For example, 'el asiento está ocupado' (masculine), but 'la mesa está ocupada' (feminine).
Using 'Ocupado' for a Full Container
Mistake: “La botella está ocupada con agua.”
Correction: La botella está llena de agua. Use 'ocupado' for a space that is in use by someone or something, and 'lleno' for a container that is full.
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