Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on the nuance of the question: sei occupato? is a general way to ask if someone is busy, whereas sei impegnato? often implies being engaged in a task or having prior commitments. Additionally, if you want to be nonchalant, you can say sei preso/presa? to ask if someone is tied up.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the subject's gender and number. To ask a woman if she is busy, use the feminine form sei occupata? To ask a group of people if they are busy, use the plural form siete occupati? You can also adapt the phrase to the third person to ask if he or she is busy by saying è occupato?
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈsɛj ok.kuˈpa.to/. It has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase sei preso? literally asks if you are 'taken', treating a busy schedule as if the person has been physically gripped or snatched by their tasks.
- Using sei impegnato? can describe someone who is not just busy, but is 'politically committed' or an activist for a specific cause.
- Depending on who you are asking, occupato can describe a physical space, such as a bathroom or a seat, being 'taken'.
Example conversation
Matteo calls Martina to ask for a favor.
- MatteoCiao Martina, sei occupato?Hi Martina, are you busy?
- MartinaNo, non molto. Perché?No, not very. Why?
- MatteoPuoi aiutarmi con questo compito?Can you help me with this homework?
- MartinaCerto, posso farlo ora.Sure, I can do it now.
