Inklingo

How to Say "preoccupied" in Spanish

English → Spanish
AdjectiveA1General
Use 'ocupado' when someone is busy with tasks or activities, implying they have a lot on their mind or plate.

Examples

Mis padres están ocupados con el jardín este fin de semana.

My parents are busy with the garden this weekend.

obsesionado

ohb-seh-syoh-NAH-doh/oβse.sjoˈnaðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'obsesionado' when someone is fixated on a single idea, topic, or activity to an excessive degree, bordering on obsession.
A simplified illustration showing a person staring intently at a red star placed on a table. Large thought bubbles float above the person's head, and every bubble contains the image of the identical red star, symbolizing obsession or mental fixation.

Examples

Mi primo está obsesionado con los videojuegos retro.

My cousin is obsessed with retro video games.

Ella parecía obsesionada con el trabajo, nunca descansaba.

She seemed obsessed with work; she never rested.

Estaban obsesionados con encontrar el tesoro perdido.

They were obsessed with finding the lost treasure.

Agreement is Key

Since this is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the person or thing being described: 'obsesionada' (female singular), 'obsesionados' (masculine plural), or 'obsesionadas' (feminine plural).

The 'Con' Connection

When saying what someone is obsessed with, Spanish almost always uses the preposition 'con' (with). Example: 'obsesionado CON la música'.

Choosing the Wrong 'To Be'

Mistake: “Soy obsesionado con mi trabajo.”

Correction: Estoy obsesionado con mi trabajo. (This describes a temporary or current mental state, so use 'estar'.)

Busy vs. Obsessed

The most common mistake is using 'obsesionado' (obsessed) when you simply mean 'ocupado' (busy). Remember that 'ocupado' implies having many things to do, while 'obsesionado' suggests a singular, intense focus.

Related Translations

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