estou ocupado
/isˈto(w) o.kuˈpa.du/word by word
The English phrase "I am busy" is translated into Portuguese as estou ocupado.
estou ocupado is used to express that you have a lot of work or many things to do.
Which one should you use?
In Portuguese, the verb estou (from the verb estar) is used because being busy is a temporary state rather than a permanent personality trait.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must match the gender of the speaker. If the speaker is male, use estou ocupado. If the speaker is female, the adjective must change to the feminine form estou ocupada.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /isˈto(w) o.kuˈpa.du/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- If you want to say you are 'swamped' with work rather than just busy, you might say estou atolado in Brazil, which literally means 'I am stuck in mud'.
- The verb estou is a direct descendant of the Latin word stō, which means 'I stand'. This reveals that the phrase 'I am busy' literally begins with a root meaning 'I stand'.
- Be careful when using the word ocupado in a romantic context, as it can sometimes imply that a person is 'taken' or in a relationship, rather than just busy with work.
Examples in context
- Neste momento estou ocupado cozinhando.I am busy cooking at the moment.This sentence is useful for showing an example of being busy with a specific activity using estou ocupado.Tatoeba #2139315 by alexmarcelo, translation #257461 by CK
- Não posso te ajudar, porque estou ocupado.I can't help you because I am busy.This sentence shows how to use estou ocupado to explain why you cannot help someone.Tatoeba #6715362 by lucasmg123, translation #261724 by CK
- Esta semana estou ocupado, aprendendo a dirigir.I am busy this week because I practice driving.This sentence illustrates using estou ocupado to describe being busy during a specific time period.Tatoeba #3204738 by carlosalberto, translation #3120701 by Wakano
- Estou ocupado agora.I am busy now.
- Desculpe, estou ocupada com um projeto importante.Sorry, I am busy with an important project.
- Desculpe, mas não tenho tempo disponível devido a outros compromissos profissionais.Sorry, but I don't have any available time due to other professional commitments.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe is working at a cafe and Mariana approaches him.
- MarianaFelipe, você tem um minuto?Felipe, do you have a minute?
- FelipeDesculpe, Mariana, mas agora estou ocupado.Sorry, Mariana, but right now I am busy.
- MarianaTudo bem, eu te procuro depois.That is fine, I will look for you later.
- FelipeObrigado pela compreensão.Thank you for understanding.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (estou, ocupado) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estou, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
