Which one should you use?
The default form tu es occupé ? uses rising intonation to turn a statement into a question, which is common in casual spoken French. For a more formal approach, you can ask Est-ce que vous avez du temps libre?, which literally means "Do you have any free time?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, people commonly use Es-tu occupé(e)? to ask this question in informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a woman, you must add an extra e to the end of occupé to make it occupée. Use vous êtes occupé(e)(s) ? when addressing more than one person or when using the formal you to show respect.
When do people say it?
If someone asks if you are busy and you are not, a common response is Je suis libre (I am free). If you want to say you are busy or "tied up" in a slightly more idiomatic way, you can say Je suis pris.
Did you know?
- If you are extremely busy in a way that feels overwhelming, you might use the expression 'être débordé', which literally means 'to be overflowed', like a river over its banks.
- The phrase Je suis pris can be used to describe both a busy schedule and a romantic relationship, meaning 'I am taken'.
- In very informal spoken French, tu can be shortened to t' when it precedes a vowel, such as in t'es occupé ?
Examples in context
- Bonjour Madame, Êtes-vous occupée?Hello, Madam, Are you busy?
- Salut Claire, tu es occupée?Hi Claire, are you busy?
- Hey, t'as du temps libre aujourd'hui?Hey, do you have free time today?
- Tu es occupé ?Are you busy?
- Désolé, tu es occupé ?Sorry, are you busy?
Example conversation
Emma approaches Gabriel at his desk in the office.
- EmmaGabriel, tu es occupé ?Gabriel, are you busy?
- GabrielNon, je peux t'aider, Emma.No, I can help you, Emma.
- EmmaPeux-tu m'aider avec ce dossier ?Can you help me with this file?
- GabrielBien sûr, je m'en occupe.Of course, I will take care of it.
