Spanish Conversation · Level 48
74 words
Spanish word
ocupar
Pronunciation
IPA/okuˈpaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtake up space
Example
La caja ocupa mucho espacio en el coche.
The box takes up a lot of space in the car.
More examples
Ella ocupa un puesto importante en la empresa.
She occupies an important position in the company.
Core concept
A box filling a shelf space.
Common phrases
ocupar espacio
take up space
ocupar un lugar
occupy a place
ocupar un puesto
occupy a position
Similar words
llenar: Fill a container or space completely with contents.
tomar: Take up part of a place for use.
usar: Use an object or place for a particular purpose.
colocar: Place an object in a specific spot.
Definition in Spanish
Colocar algo o a sí mismo en un lugar o posición de modo que ocupe ese espacio o desempeñe esa función.
Word origin
From Latin occupāre, from ob- 'toward' plus capere 'take', originally 'take possession' and later 'place or hold a space or position'.
Usage tips
- Used both for physically taking space and for holding a role (ocupar un puesto); note that estar ocupado means to be busy and ocuparse de means to take care of something.