ocupate

Ocúpate is the imperative form of the Spanish reflexive verb ocuparse, meaning to occupy oneself, keep busy, or attend to something. It is used to tell someone to focus on their own matters or to take action. The spelling ocúpate includes an accent on the ú to indicate the correct stress in the informal singular command.

Etymology and grammar: Ocuparse is formed from ocu- (from ocupar) plus the reflexive pronoun se, giving a sense of performing the action upon oneself. Related nouns include ocupación (occupation) and ocupado (busy). Other formal imperatives are ocúpese (usted), ocúpense (ustedes), and slower variations in regional speech. The negative form is no te ocupes, meaning “don’t worry about it” or “don’t occupy yourself with that.”

Usage and nuance: Ocúpate is commonly used to encourage someone to devote attention to personal tasks, studies, work, or responsibilities. Depending on tone and context, it can be neutral, supportive, or softly admonitory. It may appear in phrases such as “Ocúpate de tus asuntos” (Take care of your own matters) or “Ocúpate y verás resultados.” In informal conversation, it can also carry a humorous or teasing edge.

See also: ocuparse, ocupación, ocupado, reflexive verbs in Spanish, imperative mood.