Spanish word

preocupar

Pronunciation

IPA/pɾeokuˈpaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbworry

Example

Me preocupa la situación.

The situation worries me.

Illustration for preocupar (worry)

More examples

La salud de mi madre me preocupa mucho.

My mother's health worries me a lot.

Core concept

A nagging alarm bell in the mind.

Common phrases

  • preocupar a alguien

    worry someone

  • me preocupa algo

    Something worries me

  • preocupar mucho

    worry a lot

Similar words

preocuparse: Feel anxious or concerned about oneself, others, or a situation.
inquietar: Cause unease and restlessness that disturbs calm.
alarmar: Trigger a sudden, strong alarm or fear that demands attention.

Definition in Spanish

Provocar en alguien sensación de inquietud o alarma por algo, uso frecuente en construcciones como me preocupa.

Word origin

From Latin prae- 'before' plus occupare 'to occupy', it literally means taking hold of attention beforehand and so causes unease or alarm.

Usage tips

  • Spanish preocupado usually means anxious or worried, while English preoccupied often means distracted or absorbed.

Other meanings

  • care aboutverb
  • make anxiousverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word