opptatt

Opptatt is a Norwegian adjective meaning occupied or busy. It is used to describe a person who is unavailable, a place or object that is currently in use, or a state of engagement with a task or matter. In everyday speech, you can say "Telefonen er opptatt" (the line is busy) or "Rommet er opptatt" (the room is occupied). A person may say "Jeg er opptatt" to indicate they are busy, or "Jeg er opptatt i møte" to specify they are in a meeting. The phrase "opptatt av" expresses being preoccupied with or deeply involved in something, as in "Hun er opptatt av miljøet" (She is concerned with the environment).

Etymology: Opptatt is a compound derived from a prefix meaning up or on and the past participle tatt (taken). It has close cognates in neighboring Scandinavian languages, such as Danish optaget and Swedish upptagen, which carry similar meanings of being taken, occupied, or engaged.

Usage notes: The word covers both physical occupancy and figurative engagement. When referring to people, it can imply a temporary unavailability due to a task or event, or a stronger sense of interest or commitment when used with "av." The form is standard in modern Norwegian and is widely understood in both written and spoken language.

See also: Related concepts include engasjert (engaged or involved) and bemannet (staffed or manned) in contexts describing capacity or occupancy. Opptatt remains a common, neutral term for describing states of occupation, busyness, or focus in Norwegian.