Spanish word

preocupación

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeokupaˈθjon/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconcern, worry

Example

Tengo preocupación por el examen de mañana.

I have concerns about tomorrow's exam.

Illustration for preocupación (concern)

More examples

La preocupación aumentó durante la espera.

The concern increased during the wait.

Core concept

A small, steady knot of unease focused on a particular problem or upcoming event.

Common phrases

  • tener preocupación por

    have concern about

  • mostrar preocupación

    show concern

  • causar preocupación

    cause concern

Similar words

ansiedad: Persistent, heavy anxiety that builds and makes daily life feel burdensome.
inquietud: Mild restlessness about minor matters that causes distraction and fidgeting.
miedo: Immediate fear of danger or harm that triggers alarm and an urge to avoid.
angustia: Acute, overwhelming anguish that causes intense chest tightness and distress.

Definition in Spanish

Sentimiento de inquietud o ansiedad leve y sostenida respecto a un asunto concreto o a un futuro incierto.

Word origin

Noun formed from the verb preocupar (preocupar + -ción), ultimately from Latin prae- 'before' + occupare 'to occupy', originally meaning 'to occupy beforehand'.

Usage tips

  • Commonly used with phrases that name the cause, for example 'Me preocupa que...' or 'Estoy preocupado por...', so preocupación typically appears with que or por to introduce what causes the unease.

Other meanings

  • uneasenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word