ocupado
/okuˈpado/
The Spanish word for 'taken' in the informal sense of being in a relationship is ocupado.
In an informal context, ocupado describes a person who is in a relationship. It is also used to describe whether a space, such as a seat, is currently in use or whether a person is available.
Meaning: informal: in a relationship (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ocupado literally means 'occupied' or 'busy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word must match the gender of the noun it describes. While the default is the masculine ocupado, you must use the feminine form ocupada if the noun is feminine, such as in the phrase la silla está ocupada (the chair is taken). When referring to a seat or a person's availability, always use ocupado with the verb estar to indicate a state rather than using the verb ser.
How do you pronounce it?
/okuˈpado/
Did you know?
- Using ocupado to describe a person as 'taken' is a metaphorical extension of the word's use for a bathroom stall or a phone line.
- If you say Estoy ocupado at a restaurant, the waiter might think you are telling them you are too busy to be served rather than stating your relationship status.
- In some regions, saying está ocupado about a person can sound slightly objectifying, as if the person is a piece of property or a seat.
Examples in context
- Este asiento está ocupado.This seat is taken.This sentence shows how to say a seat is taken using ocupado.Tatoeba #4329416 by pchamorro, translation #2280437 by CK
- Disculpe, ¿ese asiento está ocupado?Pardon me, is that seat taken?This sentence is a polite way to ask if a seat is taken using ocupado.Tatoeba #1914538 by marcelostockle, translation #453419 by saasmath
- Disculpe, ¿este asiento está ocupado?Excuse me, is this seat taken?Tatoeba #1308671 by marcelostockle, translation #51498 by CK
- La mesa está tomada.The table is taken.
- El asiento delantero está reservado.The front seat is reserved.
- La sala de conferencias está tomada.The conference room is taken.
- La habitación de hotel está tomada.The hotel room is taken.
- El sofá está ocupado.The couch is taken.
- El baño está ocupado.The bathroom is taken.
- La cama está ocupada.The bed is taken.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ocupado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
