preocupación
/pɾeokupaˈθjon/
The English word 'concern' is translated into Spanish as preocupación.
preocupación refers specifically to a sense of worry, a feeling that something may be wrong or the identification of a possible problem.
Meaning: a worry, a sense that something may be wrong, an identification of a possible problem (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'concern' can sometimes imply 'interest' or 'involvement' (for example, describing something as 'a matter of concern'). However, in Spanish, preocupación is strictly limited to the sense of worry or anxiety. If you wish to express the sense of 'interest' or 'involvement', you should use interés instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
preocupación is a feminine noun and should be used with feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾeokupaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The word preocupación shares an ancestor with the English word 'occupy'. Both stems trace back to the Latin 'capere', meaning 'to take' or 'to seize'.
- While preocupación is a noun, the verb form preocuparse is often used with the reflexive pronoun to describe the process of becoming worried, effectively saying that one 'worries oneself'.
- While English speakers might say 'it is my concern' to mean 'it is my responsibility', using es mi preocupación in Spanish would incorrectly suggest that the task is causing you mental distress.
Examples in context
- Es mi única preocupación.That's my sole concern.This sentence shows how to use preocupación to describe a sole concern.Tatoeba #3188889 by Shishir, translation #42050 by CM
- Gracias por su preocupación.Thank you for your concern.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for their preocupación.Tatoeba #1600826 by marcelostockle, translation #54426 by CK
- Tom no podía esconder su preocupación.Tom couldn't hide his concern.This sentence demonstrates using preocupación to describe an emotion that cannot be hidden.Tatoeba #13634131 by stebnbr, translation #9408017 by CK
- Me preocupa la situación actualI am concerned about the current situation
- Le transmití mi inquietud al directorI conveyed my concern to the director
- Mi interés radica en la seguridad de los ciudadanosMy concern lies in the safety of citizens
- Tengo mucha preocupación por mi hermanoI am very concerned about my brother
- Me genera inquietud la situación económicaThe economic situation makes me concerned
- Me causa gran angustia la salud de mi madreMy mother's health is causing me great concern
- Tengo preocupación por el viaje de María a EuropaI am concerned about Maria's trip to Europe
- Me genera inquietud la situación política actualThe current political situation is concerning to me
- Siento una gran angustia por la desigualdad socialI feel great concern over social inequality
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a delay at work.
- JavierTengo una preocupación sobre el nuevo proyecto.I have a concern about the new project.
- María¿Cuál es tu preocupación, Javier?What is your concern, Javier?
- JavierNo sé si terminaremos a tiempo.I don't know if we will finish on time.
- MaríaEntiendo tu preocupación, pero lo resolveremos.I understand your concern, but we will solve it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry preocupación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries preocupación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
