occupé
/ɔ.ky.pe/
The English phrase 'occupied' translates to French as occupé.
occupé is used to describe something that is reserved. In the specific context of a restroom, the single word occupé is often displayed on a sign or used to indicate the stall is in use.
Meaning: reserved (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it describes, so use occupée for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the form occupés when describing a group of masculine or mixed-gender nouns. The adjective takes the form occupées when describing a group of exclusively feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ɔ.ky.pe/.
Did you know?
- In a historical military context, l'Occupation refers specifically to the period when France was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II.
- In French, using occupé to describe a chair can sound as if the piece of furniture itself is busy working.
- To express being 'swamped' or 'overwhelmed' with work, French speakers use être débordé, which literally means 'to be overflowing'.
Examples in context
- Essaie de le tenir occupé.Try to keep him occupied.This sentence demonstrates how to use occupé to describe keeping someone busy.Tatoeba #12684646 by lbdx, translation #6726832 by Hybrid
- Je suis actuellement occupé.I'm occupied right now.This sentence shows the use of occupé to indicate being busy currently.Tatoeba #4595415 by sacredceltic, translation #2546536 by CK
- Tous les fauteuils sont occupés.All the seats are occupied.This sentence illustrates using occupé to describe seats that are reserved or in use.Tatoeba #4868371 by sacredceltic, translation #272101 by CK
- La salle de réunion est occupée pour le moment.The meeting room is occupied at the moment.
- Désolé(e), ce siège est pris.Sorry, this seat is taken.
- Toutes les chambres d'hôtel sont prises pour ce soir.All hotel rooms are occupied for tonight.
- Désolé(e), ce livre est déjà pris par quelqu'un d'autre.Sorry, this book is already taken by someone else.
- La place de parking est déjà prise, tu devras en trouver une autre.The parking spot is already occupied, you'll have to find another one.
- Ne rentre pas dans la chambre, y'a quelqu'un.Don't go into the room, there's someone.
- Excuse-moi, y'a quelqu'un assis ici.Sorry, there's someone sitting here.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a crowded cafe, Gabriel is looking for a place to sit.
- ManonEst-ce que ce siège est occupé ?Is this seat occupied?
- GabrielNon, il est libre.No, it is free.
- ManonMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
- GabrielJe vous en prie.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “occupied” translations and entries occupé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
