trop occupé
The English phrase "too busy" is translated into French as trop occupé.
trop occupé is used to describe having so much to do that there is no time for other activities. While 'trop occupé' is common, être débordé is a very natural way to express being extremely busy or overwhelmed with work.
What does it mean word for word?
The word trop means "too" and occupé means "occupied" or "busy".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the subject, so use trop occupée if the person being described is female. The adjective must agree in number with the subject, so use trop occupés for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and use trop occupées for a group consisting only of women.
Did you know?
- The word trop shares an ancient root with the English word 'troop', stemming from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'dwelling' or 'room'.
- In French, the same word occupé is used to describe a person with too much to do and a telephone line that is currently in use.
- In professional French settings, saying you are trop occupé can sometimes sound slightly blunt or even rude, as it focuses on your own limitation.
Examples in context
- Il est trop occupé.He's too busy.This sentence demonstrates the use of trop occupé.Tatoeba #4696204 by sacredceltic, translation #303701 by CK
- Je suis trop occupé.I'm too busy.Tatoeba #4692278 by sacredceltic, translation #2046654 by CK
- Nous sommes trop occupés.We're too busy.Tatoeba #4801766 by sacredceltic, translation #2240674 by CK
- Excusez-moi, je suis trop occupé pour accepter de nouvelles tâches pour le moment.Excuse me, I am too busy to take on new tasks at the moment.
- 61 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan invites Léa to go to the cinema.
- NathanTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- LéaDésolée, je suis trop occupée aujourd'hui.Sorry, I am too busy today.
- NathanTu as beaucoup de travail ?Do you have a lot of work?
- LéaOui, je suis trop occupée pour sortir.Yes, I am too busy to go out.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trop, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
