ocuparse
verb
1. to deal with, to handle + de
matter
Common combinations
- ocuparse de las cuentas — to handle the accounts
- ocuparse de un asunto — to deal with a matter
- Me ocuparé del correo esta tarde.I’ll deal with the mail this afternoon.
- Ella se ocupa de las cuentas.She handles the accounts.
- ¿Puedes ocuparte de este problema?Can you deal with this problem?
2. to look after, to take care of + de
care
Common combinations
- ocuparse de los niños — to look after the children
- ocuparse de un paciente — to take care of a patient
- Mi hermana se ocupa de los niños.My sister looks after the children.
- El médico se ocupó del paciente.The doctor took care of the patient.
- Nos ocupamos de la casa mientras ellos viajaban.We looked after the house while they were traveling.
3. to occupy oneself, to be busy + en; + de + infinitivo
activity
Common combinations
- ocuparse en una tarea — to occupy oneself with a task
- ocuparse de preparar algo — to be busy preparing something
- Se ocupa en traducir novelas.He is busy translating novels.
- Me ocupo de preparar la cena.I’m busy preparing dinner.
- Durante el viaje, se ocupó en leer.During the trip, she occupied herself with reading.