ocupar

Ocup ar is a Spanish verb with several related senses centered on taking possession of space, time, or a position. It comes from Latin occupare, meaning to seize and to possess, and is connected to the noun ocupación (occupation, both in the sense of space use and of a job) and the adjective ocupado (occupied).

Uses and meanings. The most common sense is literal: to take up space or time or to fill something. Examples include ocupar un espacio (to occupy a space), ocupar la mayor parte del día (to take up most of the day), or ocupar una plaza (to take a seat). It can also denote taking over a place, building, or territory, as in the sense of seizing control, for example, las tropas ocuparon la ciudad. Metaphorically, one can say a topic occupies someone’s attention or a task occupies one’s hours.

Grammatical notes. Ocup ar is a regular -ar verb, with standard conjugation patterns. A common reflexive form is ocuparse, used to indicate being busy with or concerned by something: me ocupo de mis asuntos. The noun ocupación covers both the act of occupying and one’s job or occupation. Related words include el ocupante (occupant) and desocupar (to vacate).

Regional and social nuances. In many contexts, especially in Latin America and Spain, ocupar can also mean to squat—to occupy a building or property, legally or illegally depending on local law. The phrase ocupación is then used in legal or political discussions (ocupación ilegal, ocupación militar).

Examples. La biblioteca ocupa dos plantas. Los manifestantes ocuparon el edificio durante la protesta. Me ocupo de los trámites. Desocuparon la casa al final del arrendamiento.