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How to Say "to fill" in Spanish

English → Spanish

llenar

/yeh-NAHR//ʎeˈnaɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'llenar' when referring to filling a physical container, a space, or when an emotion or abstract concept takes over.
A hand pouring water from a pitcher into a clear glass jar until the jar is completely full, with the water reaching the brim.

Examples

Llena el vaso con agua, por favor.

Fill the glass with water, please.

Necesitas llenar el tanque de gasolina antes de viajar.

You need to fill the gas tank before traveling.

La camarera llenó mi taza de café otra vez.

The waitress filled my coffee cup again.

Vamos a llenar la piscina con agua de la manguera.

We are going to fill the pool with water from the hose.

Simple Regular Verb

This is a regular -AR verb, making its conjugation very predictable. Just follow the standard pattern for all tenses!

Emotional Use

When talking about emotions, the emotion itself is often the subject doing the filling: 'La alegría (joy) llenó mi vida.'

Confusing 'Llenar' and 'Llevar'

Mistake: “Using 'llevar' (to take/carry) when you mean 'llenar' (to fill).”

Correction: Remember the 'n' in 'llenar' sounds like 'in' in 'inundate' (to flood/fill up). Use 'Llené el cubo' (I filled the bucket).

ocupar

oh-koo-PAHR/o.kuˈpaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'ocupar' to indicate taking up a physical space like a seat, or to fill a vacant position or role.
A large, fluffy blue teddy bear sitting inside a small, red cardboard box, completely filling the space and demonstrating occupancy.

Examples

El nuevo empleado ocupará el puesto de gerente.

The new employee will fill the manager's position.

¿Este asiento está ocupado?

Is this seat taken (occupied)?

Mi trabajo ocupa la mayor parte de mi día.

My job takes up the majority of my day.

La mesa tan grande ocupa demasiado espacio en la cocina.

The large table occupies too much space in the kitchen.

Direct Use

This meaning uses the standard verb form and directly acts on a thing (space, time, or a seat) without needing extra prepositions.

Professional Context

When talking about jobs, 'ocupar' means you currently hold that role. It is transitive, meaning the job title is the direct receiver of the action.

cubrir

koo-BREER/kuˈβriɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'cubrir' specifically when filling a vacancy or a work shift, often implying covering expenses or duties.
A hand placing several colorful coins next to a stack of colorful bills on a table, symbolizing payment.

Examples

Ella cubrió el turno de su colega enfermo.

She filled in for her sick colleague's shift.

La beca cubre todos los gastos de matrícula.

The scholarship covers all tuition expenses.

Necesitamos un empleado nuevo para cubrir el puesto de gerente.

We need a new employee to fill the manager position.

Ella tuvo que cubrir el turno de su compañero enfermo.

She had to cover her sick colleague's shift.

Llenar vs. Ocupar for Seats

Learners often confuse 'llenar' and 'ocupar' when talking about seats. Remember, 'ocupar' is used for a seat that is already taken or being used ('Is this seat occupied?'), while 'llenar' is for the action of filling something up, like a container.

Related Translations

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