At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn French. You might not use the word 'inoccupé' very often, as it is a bit more advanced than words like 'vide' (empty) or 'libre' (free). However, it is a great word to recognize. It comes from the word 'occupé', which means 'busy' or 'taken'. By adding 'in-' to the front, it becomes the opposite: 'not busy' or 'not taken'. Think about a chair in a classroom. If no one is sitting in it, it is 'inoccupé'. If you are at a very basic level, just remember that 'inoccupé' means 'unoccupied'. You will most likely see it in written signs or simple descriptions of rooms. For example, if you see a sign on a bathroom door, it might say 'occupé' (red) or 'libre' (green), but a formal report might say the room is 'inoccupé'. It is an adjective, so it changes based on the thing you are talking about. If you talk about 'la chambre' (feminine), you add an 'e' to make it 'inoccupée'. If you talk about 'les lits' (plural), you add an 's' to make it 'inoccupés'.
At the A2 level, you should start using 'inoccupé' to describe spaces and positions more accurately. This word is very useful when talking about housing, travel, or jobs. For instance, if you are looking for a place to sit on a bus, you can look for a seat that is 'inoccupé'. In your daily life, you might describe your schedule. If you have no homework and no work, you are 'inoccupé'. It is slightly more formal than saying 'je n'ai rien à faire' (I have nothing to do). You will also start to see this word in short news articles or simple stories. It is important to remember the spelling: 'in-' + 'occupé'. Don't forget the accent on the 'é'! In A2, we focus on making sure the adjective matches the noun. If you describe 'une maison' (a house), you must say 'la maison est inoccupée'. This shows you understand French grammar rules. You can also use it to talk about a 'poste' (a job position). If a company is hiring, the 'poste' is 'inoccupé'. Using this word instead of just 'ouvert' (open) makes your French sound more professional and precise.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'inoccupé' in both spoken and written French. You can use it to discuss more complex topics like urban planning or the economy. For example, you might discuss why there are so many 'logements inoccupés' (unoccupied dwellings) in big cities like Paris. You should also understand the nuance between 'inoccupé' and its synonyms. While 'libre' is great for casual situations, 'inoccupé' is better for formal reports or describing long-term vacancy. You can also use it to describe a state of being. If you say 'je me sens inoccupé', it implies a lack of purpose or activity, which is a more sophisticated way to express boredom or idleness. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's role in professional contexts. Managers might talk about 'temps inoccupé' (idle time) for employees. Pay attention to how it is used in the media; you will often hear it in reports about abandoned buildings or the job market. It is a key word for moving from basic conversational French to a more intermediate, descriptive level where you can provide more detail about the state of things.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'inoccupé' with precision and in varied contexts. You should be able to integrate it into formal essays and debates. For instance, in a discussion about social justice, you might argue that 'les bâtiments inoccupés devraient être réutilisés pour les sans-abri' (unoccupied buildings should be repurposed for the homeless). You should also be familiar with the word's appearance in literature. Authors use 'inoccupé' to create atmosphere—a 'maison inoccupée' can evoke a sense of ghostliness or nostalgia. Furthermore, you should understand how it functions in administrative and legal language. In France, there are specific laws regarding 'locaux inoccupés' (unoccupied premises), and being able to use this terminology correctly is essential for business or legal interactions. You should also be able to use it metaphorically. An 'esprit inoccupé' (an idle mind) is a common literary trope. At B2, your goal is to not only know the definition but to understand the 'flavor' of the word—it is formal, precise, and often carries a sense of potential (something that is inoccupé is waiting to be filled).
At the C1 level, your use of 'inoccupé' should be entirely natural and nuanced. You should be able to distinguish between 'inoccupé', 'vacant', 'disponible', and 'désert' with ease. You might use 'inoccupé' in a technical analysis of labor statistics to describe 'la population inoccupée' (the inactive or unemployed population). You are also capable of using the word in complex sentence structures, perhaps using it as a past participle in a passive sense or within a long, descriptive passage. You should appreciate the etymological roots—the negation of 'occupation'—and how that relates to the French concept of 'travail' and 'loisir'. In a C1 level discussion, you might explore the psychological effects of being 'inoccupé' in a society that values productivity. You should also be able to identify the word in high-level literature, such as the works of Proust or Balzac, where the state of a room or a person's schedule is described with extreme detail. Your ability to use 'inoccupé' in the correct register—knowing exactly when it is better than 'libre'—is a hallmark of your advanced proficiency.
At the C2 level, you possess a mastery of 'inoccupé' that allows you to use it in the most formal and academic settings. You can use it in philosophical or sociological discourse, perhaps discussing the 'espaces inoccupés' (unoccupied spaces) of modern urbanity or the 'heures inoccupées' of the contemplative life. You understand its legal implications perfectly, such as in the context of 'usurpation de locaux inoccupés' (squatting in unoccupied premises). Your vocabulary is so broad that you use 'inoccupé' not just as a standard adjective, but as a deliberate choice to convey a specific tone of clinical observation or formal reporting. You can also play with the word in creative writing, using it to describe not just physical or temporal states, but abstract concepts like an 'âme inoccupée' (an unoccupied soul). At this level, you are also aware of the word's frequency and distribution across different dialects of French, though it remains quite standard. You can fluently transition between the adjective 'inoccupé' and the noun form 'inoccupation', using them to build complex, persuasive arguments in both written and spoken forms.

inoccupé in 30 Sekunden

  • Inoccupé means unoccupied or vacant, used for spaces like rooms or seats.
  • It can describe people who are idle or have no current tasks or work.
  • It is a formal adjective that requires gender and number agreement in French.
  • Commonly found in housing, employment, and administrative contexts.
The French word inoccupé is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to 'unoccupied', 'vacant', or 'idle' in English. At its core, it describes something or someone that is not currently being used, inhabited, or engaged in activity. While it shares some semantic space with the word 'libre' (free), inoccupé often carries a more formal or descriptive tone, frequently appearing in administrative, real estate, or professional contexts.
Physical Spaces
When referring to a room, a seat, or a building, it signifies that no one is present or living there. For example, a 'poste inoccupé' in a company refers to a job vacancy that has not yet been filled.

Cette chaise semble inoccupée, puis-je m'asseoir ?

Human Activity
When applied to people, it suggests a state of idleness or being without a specific task. If a person is 'inoccupé', they might be between jobs or simply have nothing to do at a specific moment. It is less common than 'sans emploi' for permanent unemployment but perfect for temporary idleness.

Les appartements du dernier étage restent inoccupés depuis des mois.

Abstract Time
The term can also describe periods of time. An 'heure inoccupée' refers to an hour where no tasks are scheduled. It is the opposite of a busy schedule.

Il passe ses moments inoccupés à lire de la poésie française.

Le terrain inoccupé derrière la maison sera bientôt transformé en parc.

Elle ne supporte pas de rester inoccupée plus de cinq minutes.

Understanding 'inoccupé' requires recognizing its prefix 'in-' which denotes negation, and the root 'occupé' which means busy or taken. Thus, it literally means 'not taken'. This logical structure makes it easier for English speakers to remember, as it mirrors the construction of 'unoccupied'.
Using inoccupé correctly involves paying close attention to the noun it modifies and the context of the 'vacancy'. In French, adjectives typically follow the noun, and inoccupé is no exception.
Real Estate & Housing
This is perhaps the most common domain for the word. Use it to describe houses, apartments, or rooms that are empty. 'Un logement inoccupé' is a standard term in housing law and statistics.

Le gouvernement cherche à taxer les logements inoccupés pour encourager la location.

Employment Contexts
In a professional setting, it describes positions that are unfilled. 'Un poste inoccupé' is a vacancy. It can also describe a worker who has no current tasks: 'Je suis actuellement inoccupé, avez-vous besoin d'aide ?' (I am currently idle, do you need help?).

Après le départ de Marc, son bureau est resté inoccupé pendant trois semaines.

Malgré la foule, quelques bancs au fond du parc demeuraient inoccupés.

Daily Life
In everyday situations, like on a train or at a restaurant, you might ask if a seat is 'inoccupé'. However, 'libre' is more common in spoken language. Using 'inoccupé' makes you sound very precise and well-educated.

Est-ce que ce siège est inoccupé ou est-ce que quelqu'un revient ?

La salle de réunion sera inoccupée à partir de quatorze heures.

When describing a person's state of mind or schedule, 'inoccupé' suggests a lack of distraction or focus. 'Un esprit inoccupé' is a mind that is not focused on anything in particular, which can lead to daydreaming or boredom. This nuance is important for literature and descriptive writing.
You will encounter inoccupé in specific environments that prioritize formal descriptions of space and status.
The News & Media
Journalists use this word when reporting on the housing crisis or urban development. You might hear: 'Des milliers de mètres carrés de bureaux sont inoccupés dans le centre-ville'. It sounds more professional and objective than 'vides' (empty).

Le reportage souligne le nombre croissant de bâtiments industriels inoccupés.

Public Administration
In government documents or when dealing with 'La Mairie' (City Hall), 'inoccupé' is the standard term for vacant properties. Tax forms often have a section for 'logements inoccupés'.

Veuillez déclarer si votre résidence secondaire est restée inoccupée cette année.

Le parking niveau 2 est complet, mais le niveau 3 a encore des places inoccupées.

Literature and Cinema
Authors use it to set a scene of desolation or waiting. A 'maison inoccupée' in a novel often hints at mystery or abandonment. In film scripts, it might be used in stage directions to describe a room before a character enters.

Dans le film, le détective explore une usine inoccupée à la recherche d'indices.

Le silence de la maison inoccupée était presque pesant.

Finally, in recruitment, HR managers discuss 'postes inoccupés' during strategy meetings. Hearing this word suggests a focus on logistics and available resources rather than personal availability.
Even though inoccupé seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its nuances and grammatical requirements.
Confusion with 'Libre'
The most common mistake is using 'inoccupé' when 'libre' is more natural. While 'inoccupé' means vacant, 'libre' means free. If you are asking if a seat is free in a cafe, 'C'est libre ?' is much more common. 'C'est inoccupé ?' sounds like you are a building inspector.

Incorrect: Je suis inoccupé ce soir pour dîner. (Better: Je suis libre ce soir).

Gender and Number Agreement
Because 'inoccupé' ends in a vowel sound, learners often forget to add the 'e' for feminine or 's' for plural. Always check the noun: 'une place inoccupée' (needs the 'e') vs 'un siège inoccupé'.

Attention: Les chambres (f.pl.) sont inoccupées.

Erreur courante: 'La maison est vacante' est possible, mais 'La maison est inoccupée' est plus fréquent pour dire que personne n'y habite.

Usage with People
Using 'inoccupé' for a person can sometimes sound cold or overly technical, as if they are a resource. If you want to say someone is bored, use 'il s'ennuie'. Use 'inoccupé' only if you mean they literally have no work to do at that moment.

Nuance: Il est inoccupé au bureau car son ordinateur est en panne.

Les mains inoccupées sont l'atelier du diable (proverbe).

Avoiding these mistakes will help you sound more like a native speaker who understands the subtle distinctions of the French language.
To truly master inoccupé, you should know its synonyms and how they differ. This allows you to choose the perfect word for your specific situation.
Vide vs Inoccupé
'Vide' means empty. A glass can be 'vide', but it cannot be 'inoccupé'. 'Inoccupé' implies that someone *could* or *should* be there, whereas 'vide' simply means there is nothing inside.

La bouteille est vide, mais l'appartement est inoccupé.

Libre vs Inoccupé
'Libre' is the most common alternative. It is used for people ('Je suis libre'), seats ('Est-ce que cette place est libre ?'), and time ('mon temps libre'). 'Inoccupé' is more formal and often used for longer-term vacancies.

Le taxi est libre, mais le bâtiment est inoccupé.

Vacant vs Inoccupé
'Vacant' is used specifically for positions of authority or officially recognized vacancies. 'Le trône est vacant' (The throne is vacant). 'Inoccupé' is more general.

Après la démission du maire, le poste est devenu vacant.

Elle cherche une activité pour ses après-midi inoccupés.

L'usine, jadis bruyante, est désormais totalement inoccupée.

In summary, use 'inoccupé' when you want to sound precise, formal, or descriptive about something that is currently without a user or occupant.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'occupy' in English comes from the same root, but the French 'inoccupé' is much more common in formal bureaucracy than the English 'unoccupied'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /in.ɔ.ky.pe/
US /in.o.ky.pe/
The stress in French is always on the last syllable: in-oc-cu-PÉ.
Reimt sich auf
occupé libéré donné été café marché pensé aimé
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'in' like the English word 'in' (it should be nasal).
  • Pronouncing 'u' like 'oo' (it should be the French [y]).
  • Missing the accent on the final 'é'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' in 'inoccupée' (it is silent).
  • Pronouncing the final 's' in 'inoccupés' (it is silent).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'occupied'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires attention to gender/number agreement.

Sprechen 5/5

The nasal 'in' and the French 'u' can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

occupé libre vide être maison

Als Nächstes lernen

vacant disponible chômage logement emploi

Fortgeschritten

oisiveté désœuvrement vacuité interrègne

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

La place (f) est inoccupée (f).

Nasal Vowel 'in'

Pronounced [ɛ̃], not [in].

Prefix 'in-' for Negation

in- + actif = inactif; in- + occupé = inoccupé.

Placement of Adjectives

Un poste inoccupé (usually follows the noun).

Using 'rester' with Adjectives

Elle reste inoccupée (describes a state over time).

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

La chaise est inoccupée.

The chair is unoccupied.

Feminine singular agreement (add -e).

2

Ce lit est inoccupé.

This bed is unoccupied.

Masculine singular.

3

La chambre est inoccupée.

The room is unoccupied.

Feminine singular.

4

Le bureau est inoccupé.

The office is unoccupied.

Masculine singular.

5

Les places sont inoccupées.

The seats are unoccupied.

Feminine plural (add -es).

6

Le taxi est inoccupé.

The taxi is unoccupied.

Masculine singular.

7

La table est inoccupée.

The table is unoccupied.

Feminine singular.

8

Il est inoccupé aujourd'hui.

He is unoccupied today.

Masculine singular referring to a person.

1

Il y a beaucoup de logements inoccupés ici.

There are many unoccupied dwellings here.

Masculine plural (add -s).

2

Le poste de secrétaire reste inoccupé.

The secretary position remains unoccupied.

Masculine singular.

3

Elle cherche une place inoccupée dans le train.

She is looking for an unoccupied seat on the train.

Feminine singular agreement with 'place'.

4

Le parking est inoccupé pendant la nuit.

The parking lot is unoccupied during the night.

Masculine singular.

5

Nous avons trouvé une maison inoccupée.

We found an unoccupied house.

Feminine singular.

6

Les bureaux du deuxième étage sont inoccupés.

The offices on the second floor are unoccupied.

Masculine plural.

7

Est-ce que ce siège est inoccupé ?

Is this seat unoccupied?

Masculine singular.

8

Elle reste inoccupée cet après-midi.

She remains unoccupied this afternoon.

Feminine singular referring to a person.

1

La mairie recense les bâtiments inoccupés.

The city hall is counting unoccupied buildings.

Masculine plural.

2

Un esprit inoccupé peut s'ennuyer rapidement.

An unoccupied mind can get bored quickly.

Masculine singular.

3

Ces terrains sont inoccupés depuis des années.

These lands have been unoccupied for years.

Masculine plural.

4

Le poste de directeur est resté inoccupé longtemps.

The director's position remained unoccupied for a long time.

Masculine singular.

5

Pendant ses heures inoccupées, il peint.

During his unoccupied hours, he paints.

Feminine plural agreement with 'heures'.

6

L'hôtel est presque totalement inoccupé en hiver.

The hotel is almost totally unoccupied in winter.

Masculine singular.

7

Elle déteste rester inoccupée pendant les vacances.

She hates remaining unoccupied during the holidays.

Feminine singular.

8

Les autorités s'inquiètent des locaux inoccupés.

The authorities are worried about unoccupied premises.

Masculine plural.

1

La taxe sur les logements inoccupés va augmenter.

The tax on unoccupied housing is going to increase.

Masculine plural.

2

Une usine inoccupée peut devenir un squat.

An unoccupied factory can become a squat.

Feminine singular.

3

Il consacre son temps inoccupé au bénévolat.

He devotes his unoccupied time to volunteering.

Masculine singular.

4

La salle de conférence est restée inoccupée toute la journée.

The conference room remained unoccupied all day.

Feminine singular.

5

Le paysage était vaste et inoccupé.

The landscape was vast and unoccupied.

Masculine singular.

6

Les lits d'hôpitaux ne sont jamais inoccupés très longtemps.

Hospital beds are never unoccupied for very long.

Masculine plural.

7

Elle se sentait inoccupée et inutile dans ce nouveau job.

She felt unoccupied and useless in this new job.

Feminine singular.

8

Certains villages sont inoccupés pendant la semaine.

Some villages are unoccupied during the week.

Masculine plural.

1

La gestion des espaces inoccupés est un défi urbain.

The management of unoccupied spaces is an urban challenge.

Masculine plural.

2

L'esprit, s'il reste inoccupé, tend vers la mélancolie.

The mind, if it remains unoccupied, tends toward melancholy.

Masculine singular.

3

Le fauteuil inoccupé du grand-père rappelait son absence.

The grandfather's unoccupied armchair recalled his absence.

Masculine singular.

4

Des zones industrielles inoccupées sont réhabilitées en lofts.

Unoccupied industrial zones are being rehabilitated into lofts.

Feminine plural agreement with 'zones'.

5

Le poste de ministre est resté inoccupé suite à la crise.

The minister post remained unoccupied following the crisis.

Masculine singular.

6

Elle explorait les recoins inoccupés de sa propre mémoire.

She explored the unoccupied corners of her own memory.

Masculine plural agreement with 'recoins'.

7

La structure reste inoccupée pour des raisons de sécurité.

The structure remains unoccupied for security reasons.

Feminine singular.

8

Les mains inoccupées sont souvent le signe d'une grande richesse.

Unoccupied hands are often the sign of great wealth.

Feminine plural agreement with 'mains'.

1

L'ontologie du vide se manifeste dans l'espace inoccupé.

The ontology of the void manifests in unoccupied space.

Masculine singular.

2

Le souverain laissa le trône inoccupé, créant un interrègne.

The sovereign left the throne unoccupied, creating an interregnum.

Masculine singular.

3

Elle craignait la vacuité d'une existence inoccupée.

She feared the vacuity of an unoccupied existence.

Feminine singular agreement with 'existence'.

4

Les strates inoccupées de la société échappent au contrôle fiscal.

The unoccupied strata of society escape fiscal control.

Feminine plural agreement with 'strates'.

5

Le poète célébrait le silence des demeures inoccupées.

The poet celebrated the silence of unoccupied dwellings.

Feminine plural agreement with 'demeures'.

6

Tout poste inoccupé est une faille dans l'organisation.

Every unoccupied position is a flaw in the organization.

Masculine singular.

7

L'angoisse naît souvent d'un instant inoccupé et silencieux.

Anguish often arises from an unoccupied and silent moment.

Masculine singular.

8

Les territoires inoccupés furent rapidement colonisés par la flore.

The unoccupied territories were quickly colonized by flora.

Masculine plural.

Häufige Kollokationen

logement inoccupé
poste inoccupé
siège inoccupé
temps inoccupé
maison inoccupée
esprit inoccupé
local inoccupé
terrain inoccupé
chambre inoccupée
période inoccupée

Häufige Phrasen

rester inoccupé

— To remain empty or without a task for a duration.

Le bureau est resté inoccupé tout l'été.

laisser inoccupé

— To leave something empty or someone without work.

Ne laissez pas ce poste inoccupé trop longtemps.

se trouver inoccupé

— To find oneself with nothing to do.

Il se trouvait inoccupé après la fin du projet.

être momentanément inoccupé

— To be temporarily free or without a task.

L'ascenseur est momentanément inoccupé.

déclarer inoccupé

— To officially state that a property is vacant.

Le propriétaire a déclaré l'appartement inoccupé.

maintenir inoccupé

— To keep something empty intentionally.

Ils maintiennent le logement inoccupé pour les travaux.

parfaitement inoccupé

— Completely empty or totally free.

Le parking était parfaitement inoccupé à minuit.

sembler inoccupé

— To appear to be empty or without a user.

La maison semblait inoccupée depuis des années.

être totalement inoccupé

— To have no occupants or no tasks at all.

Je suis totalement inoccupé ce matin.

trouver un siège inoccupé

— To find an available seat in a public space.

J'espère trouver un siège inoccupé dans le métro.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

inoccupé vs occupé

This is the exact opposite (busy/taken). Don't forget the 'in-'!

inoccupé vs inhabité

Specifically for places where no one lives, while 'inoccupé' can be for a seat or a person too.

inoccupé vs vacant

Often interchangeable in real estate, but 'vacant' is more for positions or legal status.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Les mains inoccupées sont l'atelier du diable"

— Equivalent to 'Idle hands are the devil's workshop'; being idle leads to trouble.

Donne-lui un travail, car les mains inoccupées sont l'atelier du diable.

Proverb
"Avoir l'esprit inoccupé"

— To have nothing on one's mind, often leading to boredom or creativity.

Il flânait, l'esprit inoccupé.

Literary
"Laisser le champ inoccupé"

— To leave a field of action or a market share open for others.

L'entreprise a laissé le champ inoccupé à ses concurrents.

Business
"Rester sur le carreau (inoccupé)"

— To be left behind or without work (related to being unoccupied).

Après la fusion, plusieurs employés sont restés sur le carreau, inoccupés.

Informal
"Faire tapisserie"

— To be 'unoccupied' at a dance or party (wallflower).

Elle a fait tapisserie toute la soirée, restant inoccupée.

Idiomatic
"Être en jachère"

— Literally 'to be fallow' (land), used for an unoccupied mind or project.

Son talent est en jachère, il reste inoccupé.

Metaphorical
"Meubler le temps inoccupé"

— To find activities to fill free time.

Elle meuble son temps inoccupé avec du tricot.

Neutral
"Un poste qui vous attend"

— A position that is unoccupied specifically for you.

Il y a un poste inoccupé qui vous attend.

Neutral
"Battre le pavé"

— To walk the streets (often because one is unoccupied/unemployed).

Inoccupé, il passait ses journées à battre le pavé.

Informal
"Chercher l'occupation"

— To look for something to do when unoccupied.

Il cherche toujours l'occupation quand il est inoccupé.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

inoccupé vs libre

Both mean 'available'.

'Libre' is for general freedom or availability; 'inoccupé' is for the state of not being used.

Le siège est libre (casual) / Le siège est inoccupé (formal).

inoccupé vs vide

Both mean 'empty'.

'Vide' means nothing is inside; 'inoccupé' means no person is using it.

Le verre est vide. La chambre est inoccupée.

inoccupé vs disponible

Both mean 'available'.

'Disponible' refers to something ready for use; 'inoccupé' refers to its current state of vacancy.

Je suis disponible pour parler.

inoccupé vs oisif

Both can describe a person with nothing to do.

'Oisif' implies a habit or lifestyle of idleness; 'inoccupé' is a temporary state.

Un riche oisif. Un employé inoccupé.

inoccupé vs désert

Both mean empty.

'Désert' implies a total lack of people and a lonely atmosphere; 'inoccupé' is more clinical.

Une rue déserte. Un logement inoccupé.

Satzmuster

A1

Le [noun] est inoccupé.

Le lit est inoccupé.

A2

Il y a un [noun] inoccupé.

Il y a un bureau inoccupé.

B1

Le [noun] reste inoccupé depuis [time].

La maison reste inoccupée depuis un an.

B1

Pendant mes [noun] inoccupés, je [verb].

Pendant mes moments inoccupés, je lis.

B2

La taxe sur les [noun] inoccupés.

La taxe sur les appartements inoccupés.

B2

Se sentir inoccupé.

Elle se sentait inoccupée dans son nouveau rôle.

C1

Un esprit inoccupé est sujet à [noun].

Un esprit inoccupé est sujet à l'ennui.

C2

L'inoccupation des [noun] pose un problème.

L'inoccupation des locaux pose un problème juridique.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

inoccupation (f) - state of being unoccupied
occupation (f) - occupation/activity

Verben

occuper - to occupy
préoccuper - to preoccupy

Adjektive

occupé - occupied
préoccupé - worried/preoccupied

Verwandt

vacance
vide
disponibilité
oisiveté
chômage

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written French, moderately common in spoken formal French.

Häufige Fehler
  • La place est inoccupé. La place est inoccupée.

    Place is feminine, so the adjective needs an 'e'.

  • Je suis inoccupé ce soir. Je suis libre ce soir.

    Inoccupé is too formal for social plans.

  • Le verre est inoccupé. Le verre est vide.

    Objects like glasses are 'vide', not 'inoccupé'.

  • Les postes sont inoccupé. Les postes sont inoccupés.

    Plural noun needs a plural adjective (add 's').

  • Un inoccupé temps. Un temps inoccupé.

    Adjectives usually follow the noun in French.

Tipps

Agreement

Always check the noun gender! La place inoccupéE, le bureau inoccupé.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'libre' with friends, 'inoccupé' in reports or formal writing.

The Nasal 'In'

Don't say 'een', say 'anh' (nasal). Practice with 'inoccupé'.

Real Estate

This is the most common place to see the word. Look for it in apartment ads.

Cognate

It looks like 'occupied' with 'in-' (not). Use that to remember the meaning.

Professionalism

Using 'poste inoccupé' in a resume or business letter sounds very professional.

Accent

The accent on the 'é' is crucial. Listen for that sharp ending.

Taxes

Knowing this word helps you understand French news about housing taxes.

Liaison

When saying 'un appartement inoccupé', the 't' in 'appartement' links to 'inoccupé'.

Duration

It often implies something has been empty for a while. Use 'rester' to emphasize this.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'IN' (not) + 'OCCUPIED'. If a room is 'IN-occupé', no one is 'IN' it because it's 'not occupied'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a red 'Occupé' sign on a toilet door turning into a green 'Inoccupé' (or Libre) sign.

Word Web

vide libre vacant disponible inoccupé chambre poste siège

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your current room that are 'inoccupés' and name them in French (e.g., 'le fauteuil est inoccupé').

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin 'occupatus' (past participle of 'occupare'), with the negative prefix 'in-'. The Latin root 'capere' means 'to take'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Literally 'not taken' or 'not seized'.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when calling a person 'inoccupé'; it can imply they are useless if not used carefully.

In English, we often say 'vacant' for houses and 'unoccupied' for seats. French uses 'inoccupé' for both in formal settings.

'La Maison inoccupée' (literary theme) French tax laws (TLV) Recruitment ads for 'postes inoccupés'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Real Estate

  • logement inoccupé
  • taxe d'habitation
  • visiter un local
  • état des lieux

Workplace

  • poste à pourvoir
  • être entre deux projets
  • temps mort
  • recrutement

Public Transport

  • place assise
  • siège libre
  • compartiment vide
  • réservation

Daily Life

  • avoir du temps
  • ne rien faire
  • être disponible
  • chercher une place

Legal/Admin

  • déclaration de vacance
  • propriété abandonnée
  • recensement
  • code de l'urbanisme

Gesprächseinstiege

"Est-ce que vous connaissez des bâtiments inoccupés dans ce quartier ?"

"Que faites-vous quand vous vous sentez inoccupé le week-end ?"

"Pensez-vous que les logements inoccupés devraient être taxés davantage ?"

"Est-ce que ce siège est inoccupé, ou est-ce que quelqu'un l'a réservé ?"

"Comment gérez-vous votre temps inoccupé au travail ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez une maison inoccupée que vous avez vue. Quelle était l'ambiance ?

Écrivez sur une période de votre vie où vous étiez inoccupé. Qu'avez-vous appris ?

Imaginez que vous trouvez un bureau inoccupé dans une grande entreprise. Que faites-vous ?

Pourquoi est-il parfois difficile de rester inoccupé sans regarder son téléphone ?

Racontez une histoire qui commence par : 'Le trône était inoccupé depuis cent ans...'

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, but it sounds formal. It means they have no tasks at the moment. For someone who is unemployed, use 'au chômage'.

They are very similar. 'Vacant' is used more for job positions or legal contexts, while 'inoccupé' is general for spaces and people.

Simply add an 'e' at the end: 'inoccupée'. The pronunciation remains the same.

Not really. It is a formal word. In slang, you might say someone is 'en train de glander' instead.

No, a glass is 'vide' (empty). 'Inoccupé' is for things that people occupy, like rooms, seats, or jobs.

The opposite is 'occupé' (occupied/busy) or 'pris' (taken).

In French, it is always 'inoccupé'. 'Unoccupied' is the English translation.

You say 'des bâtiments inoccupés'. Remember to add the 's' for the plural.

Yes, 'l'inoccupation' (feminine), which refers to the state of being unoccupied.

Yes, 'temps inoccupé' or 'heures inoccupées' means free time or idle hours.

Teste dich selbst 190 Fragen

writing

Translate to French: 'The room is unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'An unoccupied seat.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'They are unoccupied' (masculine).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'Unoccupied houses.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'A vacant position.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'The office remains unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'My hours are unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'Is the table unoccupied?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'Many unoccupied buildings.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate to French: 'She is unoccupied today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'inoccupé' and 'parking'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'inoccupée' and 'chaise'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'inoccupés' and 'bureaux'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence using 'inoccupées' and 'places'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The taxi is unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'An idle mind.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Unoccupied land.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'He remains unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'Are you unoccupied?' (formal/plural).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'The bed was unoccupied.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: inoccupé

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: inoccupée

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: inoccupés

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: inoccupées

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The room is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'A vacant seat' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The office is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'I am free' using 'inoccupé' (masculine).

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Unoccupied houses' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Unoccupied positions' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Practice the nasal 'in' sound in 'inoccupé'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Practice the 'u' sound in 'inoccupé'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The parking is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Is this seat unoccupied?' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The taxi is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The bed is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'She remains unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Unoccupied land' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'The table is unoccupied' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Unoccupied hours' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Le poste est inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'La chambre est inoccupée.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Des logements inoccupés.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Il reste inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Les places sont inoccupées.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the gender: 'inoccupée'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and identify the number: 'inoccupés'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Un esprit inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'La maison est inoccupée.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Le taxi est inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Des terrains inoccupés.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Elle est inoccupée.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Un siège inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Heures inoccupées.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Transcribe: 'Le bureau reste inoccupé.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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