B1 adjective #5,000 most common 6 min read

desocupado

When we talk about something being desocupado, we're saying it's not currently being used or has nothing in it. Think of a parking spot that's empty, or a public restroom with no one inside. It's about a state of being free or vacant.

It can also apply to people, meaning someone is unemployed or idle, not currently working or busy. So, if a friend tells you they are desocupado this weekend, they're free!

§ What 'desocupado' Means

Spanish Word
desocupado (adjective)
Definition
Not occupied or in use; empty.

§ How to Use 'desocupado'

The word desocupado is an adjective. This means it describes nouns. Like most Spanish adjectives, it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. So, you'll see it as desocupado, desocupada, desocupados, or desocupadas.

Typically, you'll use desocupado with the verb estar (to be) to indicate a temporary state of being empty or unoccupied. For example, a room that is currently empty, or a parking space that is available.

La oficina está desocupada ahora.

Hint
The office is empty now.

¿Hay asientos desocupados en el tren?

Hint
Are there any empty (unoccupied) seats on the train?

§ 'Desocupado' for People (Unemployed)

Interestingly, desocupado can also refer to a person who is unemployed. In this context, it's very similar to saying someone is 'not occupied' with work. When used this way, it often appears with estar.

Mi hermano está desocupado desde el mes pasado.

Hint
My brother has been unemployed since last month.

Muchas personas jóvenes están desocupadas en esa región.

Hint
Many young people are unemployed in that region.

§ Common Phrases and Uses

You won't typically see desocupado paired with many prepositions to change its core meaning. It usually describes the state of something or someone directly. However, it can be part of longer phrases.

  • Tiempo desocupado: Free time / unoccupied time.

¿Qué haces en tu tiempo desocupado?

Hint
What do you do in your free (unoccupied) time?
  • Dejar desocupado: To leave something empty/unoccupied.

Por favor, deja el asiento desocupado para la persona mayor.

Hint
Please leave the seat empty for the elderly person.

§ Don't confuse 'desocupado' with 'desempleado'

This is probably the most common mistake English speakers make. While 'desocupado' can sometimes imply unemployment, it's not its primary meaning. 'Desocupado' literally means 'not occupied' or 'empty'. Think of it like a space not being used. When you want to say someone is out of a job, the correct word is 'desempleado'. Using 'desocupado' for a person without a job can sound a bit informal or even dismissive, as if they are simply 'empty' of work rather than actively seeking it.

Correct
Juan está desempleado. (Juan is unemployed.)
Less common / Informal
Juan está desocupado. (Juan is unoccupied/not busy - could imply unemployed in very specific contexts, but 'desempleado' is clearer.)

§ Using 'desocupado' for 'free time'

While you might think of 'desocupado' as meaning 'free' in the sense of 'free time', it's not the most natural way to express it. Spanish has other, more common phrases for 'free time' or 'being free'. Using 'desocupado' for 'free time' can sound a bit clunky or overly literal.

Instead of
Tengo tiempo desocupado. (I have unoccupied time.)
Say
Tengo tiempo libre. (I have free time.)

¿Estás libre esta noche? (Are you free tonight?)

§ Misusing it with people (unless describing their state of being not busy)

While you *can* use 'desocupado' to describe a person who is currently not busy or has nothing to do, it's important to understand the nuance. It describes a temporary state of not being occupied, rather than a permanent status. If you mean someone is 'free' to do something, 'libre' is often a better choice. If you say a person 'está desocupado', it implies they are available or not engaged in an activity at that moment.

  • When describing a place or object:

    El asiento está desocupado. (The seat is empty/unoccupied.)

  • When describing a person's temporary state of not being busy:

    Estoy desocupado por la tarde. (I am unoccupied in the afternoon / I have nothing to do in the afternoon.)

§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives

The Spanish word "desocupado" is quite versatile, but it's important to understand its nuances, especially when comparing it to other similar words. While it means "not occupied or in use; empty," its usage can sometimes overlap with other terms. Let's break down when to choose "desocupado" and when an alternative might be a better fit.

DEFINITION
Not occupied or in use; empty.

One of the most common alternatives you'll encounter is "vacío." Both "desocupado" and "vacío" can mean "empty." However, there's a subtle but important difference. "Vacío" generally refers to something being empty of content or substance. Think of a glass that's empty of water, or a room empty of furniture.

El vaso está vacío.

"Desocupado," on the other hand, often implies that something is not currently being used or occupied by a person or a task. It carries a stronger sense of availability or a temporary state of not being in use. For example, a parking space can be "desocupado," meaning it's free to be used. A room can be "desocupado," meaning no one is in it, perhaps temporarily, or it's not currently assigned to anyone.

El asiento está desocupado.

Consider these scenarios:

  • If you're talking about a house with no furniture inside, you'd most likely say, "La casa está vacía." (The house is empty.)
  • If you're talking about a hotel room that isn't currently booked, you'd say, "La habitación está desocupada." (The room is unoccupied/available.)

Another related word is "libre," which means "free." While "libre" can also imply availability, it often carries a broader meaning. It can mean free from obligations, free to do something, or free of charge. When referring to a space, "libre" and "desocupado" are often interchangeable, but "desocupado" more specifically emphasizes the state of not being occupied.

Hay una mesa libre.

Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Desocupado: Use for spaces, jobs, or things that are not currently being used or occupied by someone or something. It emphasizes availability or a temporary lack of an occupant.
  • Vacío: Use for containers or spaces that are empty of contents or substance. It refers to the absence of matter.
  • Libre: A broader term for "free." It can sometimes overlap with "desocupado" when referring to availability, but also applies to freedom from obligations, cost, or restrictions.

Remember, context is key! Pay attention to what you are trying to describe. If you're talking about a parking spot, a chair, or a position at work that no one is filling, "desocupado" is often your best bet. If you're talking about an empty box, use "vacío." Keep practicing, and these distinctions will become second nature.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La posición de gerente está vacante."

Neutral

"Esta mesa está libre, ¿podemos sentarnos aquí?"

Informal

"¿Estás desocupado esta tarde para tomar un café?"

Child friendly

"El vaso está vacío, necesito más agua."

Slang

"Estoy al pedo, no tengo nada que hacer."

Fun Fact

The word 'ocupado' itself comes from Latin 'occupare' meaning 'to take possession of'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /desoˈkupado/
US /desoˈkupado/
The stress is on the 'pa' syllable.
Rhymes With
ocupado preparado cansado
Common Errors
  • Make sure to pronounce all the vowels clearly, especially the 'o's.
  • Don't rush the 's' sound; it's a soft 's' like in 'snake'.

Common Collocations

asiento desocupado unoccupied seat
mesa desocupada empty table
piso desocupado vacant apartment
cuarto desocupado empty room
mente desocupada idle mind
terreno desocupado empty lot
espacio desocupado empty space
oficina desocupada vacant office
estantería desocupada empty shelf
parking desocupado empty parking space

Common Phrases

El asiento está desocupado.

The seat is empty.

¿Está esta mesa desocupada?

Is this table empty?

Encontré un cuarto desocupado para estudiar.

I found an empty room to study.

La oficina del jefe está desocupada hoy.

The boss's office is vacant today.

Siempre busco un parking desocupado cerca.

I always look for an empty parking space nearby.

No dejes tu mente desocupada por mucho tiempo.

Don't leave your mind idle for too long.

Hay un terreno desocupado al lado de mi casa.

There's an empty lot next to my house.

Necesitamos un espacio desocupado para el nuevo equipo.

We need an empty space for the new equipment.

La estantería está desocupada, puedes poner tus libros aquí.

The shelf is empty, you can put your books here.

El apartamento está desocupado y listo para alquilar.

The apartment is vacant and ready to rent.

Often Confused With

desocupado vs Vacant

A direct translation for 'desocupado' when referring to a space or position that is empty.

desocupado vs Unoccupied

Another good translation for 'desocupado' when a place or item is not currently in use.

desocupado vs Unemployed

A primary meaning of 'desocupado' when referring to a person.

Easily Confused

desocupado vs vacío

'Desocupado' and 'vacío' both relate to absence or emptiness. 'Vacío' often refers to an object or space lacking contents.

'Desocupado' typically applies to a place or object that is not being used, or a person who is unemployed or idle. 'Vacío' is more about lacking contents.

El vaso está vacío. (The glass is empty.)

desocupado vs libre

Both 'desocupado' and 'libre' can mean 'free' or 'available.'

'Desocupado' focuses on not being used or occupied. 'Libre' can mean free (not confined), available (not busy), or free (without cost). While a 'desocupado' person is 'libre' in the sense of not being busy, 'libre' has a broader meaning.

Estoy libre esta tarde. (I am free this afternoon.)

desocupado vs disponible

Similar to 'libre,' 'disponible' also means 'available,' creating overlap in situations where something is not in use.

'Desocupado' emphasizes the state of not being occupied or in use. 'Disponible' emphasizes readiness for use or access.

El coche está disponible. (The car is available.)

desocupado vs desempleado

When referring to people, 'desocupado' can mean unemployed, which is very similar to 'desempleado.'

'Desempleado' specifically refers to a person who is without a job. 'Desocupado' can also mean unemployed, but it has the additional meaning of a place or thing not being occupied or in use.

Mi amigo está desempleado. (My friend is unemployed.)

desocupado vs ocioso

'Ocioso' can describe a person who is idle, which is a meaning shared with 'desocupado' when applied to people.

'Ocioso' specifically describes someone who is idle or lazy, often implying a lack of productivity. 'Desocupado' simply means not busy or not in use, without necessarily implying idleness or laziness.

Pasa los días ocioso. (He spends his days idle.)

How to Use It

When talking about places or things, desocupado means empty or not in use. For example, 'La mesa está desocupada' (The table is empty/not in use).

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is confusing desocupado with 'unemployed' when referring to people. While it can sometimes mean unemployed, the more common and direct translation for 'unemployed' is desempleado or en paro. For example, instead of 'Estoy desocupado' (which could mean 'I am not busy' or 'I am unemployed'), it's clearer to say 'Estoy desempleado' if you mean you don't have a job.

Tips

Literal Meaning of 'desocupado'

Think of 'desocupado' as literally meaning 'de-occupied.' This can help you remember its core meaning of not occupied or empty.

Common Use: Places and Objects

You'll often hear 'desocupado' describing places or objects. For example, 'El asiento está desocupado' (The seat is empty).

Common Use: People (Unemployed)

When referring to people, 'desocupado' can mean unemployed or idle. 'Está desocupado' means 'He is unemployed' or 'He is idle'.

Don't Confuse with 'vacío'

While similar, 'desocupado' emphasizes something not being in use or not having an occupant, whereas 'vacío' generally means empty in terms of content. A room can be 'vacía' (empty of furniture) or 'desocupada' (empty of people).

Opposite: 'ocupado'

The direct opposite is 'ocupado,' meaning occupied, busy, or taken. 'La mesa está ocupada' (The table is taken).

Example: 'La oficina está desocupada'

This means 'The office is empty' or 'The office is not in use.' It implies that no one is currently working there.

Example: 'Tiempo desocupado'

This phrase, 'tiempo desocupado,' means free time or unoccupied time. It's time when you are not busy.

Related Noun: 'desocupación'

The noun form is 'desocupación,' which means unemployment or idleness. You might hear 'la tasa de desocupación' for 'the unemployment rate.'

Practice with Sentences

Try forming your own sentences using 'desocupado' in both contexts (empty place/object and unemployed/idle person) to solidify your understanding.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'DESSERT CUP' (desocupado) that's completely 'empty' after you've eaten everything.

Visual Association

Visualize an empty desk (desocupado) in an office, with no papers or computer on it. Or, think of an empty 'des 'k' (as in 'desocupado') - k for key - and imagine an empty keyhole where there is no key, it is unoccupied.

Word Web

vacío (empty, void) libre (free, available) sin uso (without use) disponible (available) libre de ocupación (free of occupation)

Challenge

Describe five things around you that are currently 'desocupado' or 'empty'. For example: 'Mi silla está desocupada porque estoy de pie.' (My chair is unoccupied because I am standing.)

Word Origin

From 'des-' (un-) and 'ocupado' (occupied).

Original meaning: Unoccupied.

Indo-European, Italic, Romance, Ibero-Romance, Spanish.

Cultural Context

In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone 'desocupado' can imply they are idle or unemployed, carrying a slightly negative connotation beyond just 'not busy.' It's often used informally among friends. However, when referring to objects or spaces, it simply means 'empty' or 'available.'

Test Yourself 66 questions

fill blank A1

El parque está ___ hoy, no hay mucha gente.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

Here, 'desocupado' means empty or not busy, which fits the context of 'no hay mucha gente' (there aren't many people).

fill blank A1

La silla está ___, puedes sentarte.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If someone can sit, the chair must be 'desocupada' (empty or not in use).

fill blank A1

Mi vaso está ___, ¿quieres un poco de agua?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

If you are offering water, your glass is probably 'desocupado' (empty).

fill blank A1

Hay un espacio ___ en el estacionamiento.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

'Desocupado' means not in use, which is suitable for a parking space.

fill blank A1

La habitación está ___, puedes entrar.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If you can enter a room, it is likely 'desocupada' (not occupied).

fill blank A1

Mi agenda está ___ esta tarde, podemos ir al cine.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If you can go to the cinema, your schedule must be 'desocupada' (free or empty).

multiple choice A1

Which word means the opposite of 'ocupado' (occupied)?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

'Desocupado' means not occupied or empty, which is the opposite of 'ocupado'.

multiple choice A1

Choose the best translation for 'La mesa está desocupada.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The table is empty.

'Desocupada' means empty or not in use, so 'The table is empty' is the correct translation.

multiple choice A1

Which of these situations describes something 'desocupado'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A parking space with no car.

A parking space with no car is 'desocupado' because it is not occupied.

true false A1

If a room is 'desocupado,' it means there is no one in it.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

'Desocupado' means not occupied or in use, so if a room is 'desocupado,' it is empty of people.

true false A1

'Desocupado' can describe a person who is very busy.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Desocupado' means not occupied or not busy, so it cannot describe a very busy person.

true false A1

You can say 'El asiento está desocupado' if a seat is available.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

'El asiento está desocupado' means 'The seat is empty/available,' which is correct if a seat is available.

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: El parque está desocupado.

This sentence means 'The park is empty.'

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: La mesa no está desocupada.

This sentence means 'The table is not empty.'

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: ¿Está el baño desocupado?

This sentence means 'Is the bathroom empty?'

fill blank A2

La silla está ___, nadie la está usando.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

The chair is 'desocupada' (empty/not in use) because no one is using it. 'Ocupada' means occupied, 'llena' means full, and 'vacía' means empty (referring to a container, for example).

fill blank A2

El apartamento está ___ ahora, podemos mudarnos.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

The apartment is 'desocupado' (empty/available) so we can move in. 'Ocupado' means occupied, 'disponible' means available (but 'desocupado' emphasizes the current state of not being in use), and 'lleno' means full.

fill blank A2

Después del trabajo, mi mente está ___ y puedo relajarme.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

After work, my mind is 'desocupada' (not occupied with work) and I can relax. 'Activa' means active, 'ocupada' means busy, and 'cansada' means tired.

fill blank A2

El estacionamiento estaba ___, así que encontramos un lugar fácilmente.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

The parking lot was 'desocupado' (empty/not in use) so we found a spot easily. 'Lleno' means full, 'pequeño' means small, and 'libre' means free (available) but 'desocupado' directly implies not being occupied by cars.

fill blank A2

Si no hay clases, el aula está ___. No hay estudiantes.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If there are no classes, the classroom is 'desocupada' (empty/not in use). 'Ruidosa' means noisy, 'limpia' means clean, and 'abierta' means open.

fill blank A2

La mesa está ___ para la cena; falta la comida.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

The table is 'desocupada' (empty/not in use for eating yet) for dinner; the food is missing. 'Puesta' means set, 'servida' means served, and 'preparada' means prepared.

multiple choice A2

Choose the best translation for 'La mesa está desocupada.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The table is empty.

'Desocupada' means 'empty' or 'not occupied.'

multiple choice A2

Which sentence correctly uses 'desocupado'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: El asiento está desocupado.

'Desocupado' is used for physical spaces or things that can be occupied.

multiple choice A2

What is the opposite of 'desocupado'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Ocupado

'Ocupado' means 'occupied' or 'busy,' which is the opposite of 'desocupado.'

true false A2

A chair that no one is sitting in is 'desocupada'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

If no one is sitting in it, the chair is not occupied.

true false A2

If a parking spot is 'desocupado', it means there is a car in it.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Desocupado' means it's empty, so there is no car in it.

true false A2

You can say 'Mi mente está desocupada' to mean your mind is empty of thoughts.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

'Desocupado' is typically used for physical spaces or things, not abstract concepts like the mind.

fill blank B1

El parque está ___ hoy, casi no hay gente.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

The park is 'desocupado' (empty/not occupied) if there are almost no people. 'Ocupado' means busy/occupied, 'divertido' means fun, and 'lleno' means full.

fill blank B1

Necesito una mesa de trabajo, pero todas están ___.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupadas

If you need a workspace, you'd be looking for one that is 'desocupada' (available/not in use). 'Limpias' means clean, 'cómodas' means comfortable, and 'rotas' means broken.

fill blank B1

Por favor, déjame la silla ___ para cuando yo regrese.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

You'd ask someone to leave the chair 'desocupada' (empty/available) for your return. 'Caliente' means hot, 'pequeña' means small, and 'grande' means large.

fill blank B1

Después de la fiesta, la casa quedó completamente ___.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

After a party, a house might be 'desocupada' (empty/vacant) if everyone has left. 'Ordenada' means tidy, 'decorada' means decorated, and 'sucia' means dirty.

fill blank B1

No hay ningún apartamento ___ en este edificio.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

If there are no apartments available for rent, then there are no 'desocupados' (vacant/empty) ones. 'Caro' means expensive, 'nuevo' means new, and 'viejo' means old.

fill blank B1

La oficina del jefe está ___ hoy, él está de viaje.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If the boss is traveling, his office would be 'desocupada' (unoccupied/empty). 'Cerrada' means closed, 'abierta' means open, and 'oscura' means dark.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: El parque estaba desocupado por la noche.

This sentence means 'The park was empty at night.' 'Desocupado' describes the state of the park.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: La mesa está desocupada, puedes sentarte aquí.

This sentence means 'The table is empty, you can sit here.' 'Desocupada' refers to the table not being in use.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Encontré un asiento desocupado en el autobús.

This sentence means 'I found an empty seat on the bus.' 'Desocupado' describes the seat.

writing B2

Describe a time you found something 'desocupado' when you expected it to be occupied, and how you felt. Use at least three sentences.

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

Sample answer

Llegué a la cafetería y mi mesa favorita estaba desocupada, lo cual me sorprendió gratamente porque siempre está llena. Me sentí afortunada de poder sentarme allí. Fue un momento tranquilo y perfecto para leer mi libro.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing B2

Imagine you are trying to find an empty parking spot in a busy city. Write a short paragraph about your search, using 'desocupado' at least once.

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

Sample answer

Conducía por el centro de la ciudad, buscando desesperadamente un lugar para estacionar. Cada calle parecía estar llena de coches. Después de varias vueltas, vi un espacio desocupado entre dos vehículos grandes y rápidamente me estacioné, aliviado.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing B2

You are organizing a community event and need to find a 'desocupado' room for a meeting. Write a short email asking about the availability of a room.

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

Sample answer

Estimado/a [Nombre], espero que este correo le encuentre bien. Estamos organizando una reunión comunitaria y nos gustaría saber si hay alguna sala desocupada en el centro el próximo jueves por la tarde. Necesitamos un espacio para aproximadamente 20 personas. Agradecemos su ayuda.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
reading B2

¿Qué indica que el almacén está desocupado?

Read this passage:

El viejo almacén, antes lleno de actividad, ahora estaba completamente desocupado. Las estanterías vacías y el polvo acumulado eran prueba del paso del tiempo y del cese de su negocio. Era un lugar silencioso, solo interrumpido por el viento que silbaba a través de las ventanas rotas.

¿Qué indica que el almacén está desocupado?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Las estanterías vacías y el polvo.

El pasaje menciona 'Las estanterías vacías y el polvo acumulado eran prueba del paso del tiempo y del cese de su negocio', lo que directamente apoya la idea de que está desocupado.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Las estanterías vacías y el polvo.

El pasaje menciona 'Las estanterías vacías y el polvo acumulado eran prueba del paso del tiempo y del cese de su negocio', lo que directamente apoya la idea de que está desocupado.

reading B2

¿Cómo describen los vecinos la casa desocupada?

Read this passage:

Después de que la familia se mudó, la casa quedó desocupada durante meses. El jardín se volvió salvaje y las persianas permanecieron cerradas, dando al lugar un aire de abandono. Los vecinos esperaban ansiosamente que nuevos inquilinos llegaran pronto.

¿Cómo describen los vecinos la casa desocupada?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Con un jardín salvaje y persianas cerradas.

El texto dice 'El jardín se volvió salvaje y las persianas permanecieron cerradas, dando al lugar un aire de abandono', lo que describe la casa desocupada.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Con un jardín salvaje y persianas cerradas.

El texto dice 'El jardín se volvió salvaje y las persianas permanecieron cerradas, dando al lugar un aire de abandono', lo que describe la casa desocupada.

reading B2

¿Qué sugiere el letrero 'Se Alquila' sobre la oficina de correos?

Read this passage:

La oficina de correos, que antes era el corazón del pueblo, ahora estaba desocupada. Se había trasladado a un edificio más moderno en las afueras. Sus puertas estaban cerradas con llave y el letrero 'Se Alquila' colgaba torcido sobre la entrada principal, esperando a un nuevo propósito.

¿Qué sugiere el letrero 'Se Alquila' sobre la oficina de correos?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Que está buscando un nuevo uso o inquilino.

Un letrero de 'Se Alquila' en un edificio desocupado claramente indica que se busca un nuevo propósito o inquilino para el espacio.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Que está buscando un nuevo uso o inquilino.

Un letrero de 'Se Alquila' en un edificio desocupado claramente indica que se busca un nuevo propósito o inquilino para el espacio.

fill blank C1

El gerente se quejó de que había demasiadas horas de trabajo ___ en el registro de empleados.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupadas

In this context, 'desocupadas' refers to hours that were not occupied or productive, aligning with the manager's complaint about wasted time.

fill blank C1

A pesar de la crisis, la demanda de viviendas de lujo sigue alta, por lo que encontrar un apartamento ___ es casi imposible.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

Given the high demand, finding an empty or unoccupied apartment ('desocupado') would be very difficult.

fill blank C1

La sala de conferencias permaneció ___ durante toda la semana, lo que generó pérdidas económicas para el centro.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupada

If the conference room remained 'desocupada' (empty/unused), it would lead to financial losses, which fits the context.

fill blank C1

Tras la reestructuración, varios puestos quedaron ___ y el departamento tuvo que contratar personal temporal.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupados

When positions are 'desocupados' (unoccupied/vacant), it necessitates hiring temporary staff, fitting the scenario of restructuring.

fill blank C1

El ayuntamiento ha implementado un programa para revitalizar los edificios ___ en el centro histórico de la ciudad.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupados

To revitalize the city center, the focus would be on buildings that are 'desocupados' (empty or unused), rather than modern or renovated ones.

fill blank C1

Los arqueólogos descubrieron un gran espacio ___ debajo de las ruinas, lo que sugiere la existencia de una cámara secreta.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: desocupado

A 'desocupado' (empty) space underneath ruins would strongly suggest a secret chamber, which aligns with the archaeological discovery.

sentence order C1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Aunque el espacio estaba desocupado, nadie se atrevió a entrar.

This sentence structure reflects a common way to express a contrasting idea in Spanish, emphasizing that despite the availability (desocupado), an action was not taken.

sentence order C1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: El asiento contiguo permaneció desocupado durante todo el viaje en tren.

This sentence illustrates the use of 'permaneció desocupado' to describe something remaining empty over a period, a common advanced structure.

sentence order C1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: La oportunidad de ocupar el puesto desocupado se presentó inesperadamente.

This sentence demonstrates 'puesto desocupado' in a professional context, showing how 'desocupado' can refer to a vacant position, and uses the advanced verb 'presentarse'.

writing C2

Describe a time you felt 'desocupado' (empty or unoccupied) and what you did to fill that void. Use 'desocupado' at least once.

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

Sample answer

Hubo una temporada en mi vida en que me sentía bastante desocupado, sin un rumbo claro ni actividades que me motivaran. Para llenar ese vacío, decidí retomar la lectura y explorar nuevos pasatiempos, lo que me ayudó a encontrar un nuevo propósito.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing C2

Imagine you are an urban planner. You notice a lot of 'desocupado' (unused) public spaces in your city. Propose a plan to transform one of these spaces, explaining what it is currently and what you envision for it. Use 'desocupado' at least once.

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

Sample answer

En nuestra ciudad, existe un solar desocupado en el centro, actualmente un mero cúmulo de escombros. Mi propuesta es transformarlo en un jardín comunitario con huertos urbanos y un área de juegos para niños, creando así un espacio verde y funcional para los vecinos.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing C2

Write a short reflective piece (3-4 sentences) about the concept of 'desocupado' as it applies to a person's state of mind versus a physical space. How do these two interpretations differ, and where might they overlap? Use 'desocupado' at least once in each context.

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

Sample answer

Cuando hablamos de un espacio desocupado, nos referimos a su falta de uso físico. Sin embargo, una mente desocupada puede implicar una ausencia de propósito o estimulación intelectual. Ambos pueden generar una sensación de vacío, pero mientras el primero es tangible, el segundo es una experiencia interna, aunque la inactividad en un espacio a menudo refleja o contribuye a un estado mental similar.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
reading C2

¿Cuál es la intención principal del consorcio de artistas con el edificio 'desocupado'?

Read this passage:

El antiguo edificio industrial, que durante décadas estuvo desocupado y en ruinas, finalmente fue adquirido por un consorcio de artistas. Su plan es ambicioso: convertirlo en un vibrante centro cultural, con galerías de arte, estudios y espacios para talleres. La comunidad local celebra la iniciativa, viendo en ella una oportunidad para revitalizar un área que había caído en el olvido.

¿Cuál es la intención principal del consorcio de artistas con el edificio 'desocupado'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Transformarlo en un centro cultural.

El pasaje indica claramente que el plan es 'convertirlo en un vibrante centro cultural'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Transformarlo en un centro cultural.

El pasaje indica claramente que el plan es 'convertirlo en un vibrante centro cultural'.

reading C2

Según el texto, ¿qué sugiere el sentimiento de estar 'desocupado' mentalmente?

Read this passage:

A menudo, el sentimiento de estar 'desocupado' mentalmente no surge de la falta de cosas que hacer, sino de la falta de un propósito claro o una conexión significativa con las actividades. Es un vacío existencial más que una simple inactividad. Para combatirlo, muchos buscan pasiones, proyectos personales o incluso una mayor implicación social.

Según el texto, ¿qué sugiere el sentimiento de estar 'desocupado' mentalmente?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: La ausencia de un propósito o conexión significativa.

El texto explica que 'es un vacío existencial más que una simple inactividad', originado por 'la falta de un propósito claro o una conexión significativa'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: La ausencia de un propósito o conexión significativa.

El texto explica que 'es un vacío existencial más que una simple inactividad', originado por 'la falta de un propósito claro o una conexión significativa'.

reading C2

¿Qué consecuencia directa de la plaza 'desocupada' se menciona en el texto?

Read this passage:

La plaza central, antaño bulliciosa, ahora permanecía desocupada la mayor parte del día, salvo por algunos transeúntes esporádicos. Los comercios a su alrededor sufrían las consecuencias de esta quietud, y la vida social del pueblo parecía haberse trasladado a otros puntos. Se debatían ideas para devolverle su antiguo esplendor, como la organización de mercados artesanales o eventos musicales.

¿Qué consecuencia directa de la plaza 'desocupada' se menciona en el texto?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Problemas para los comercios locales.

El pasaje indica que 'Los comercios a su alrededor sufrían las consecuencias de esta quietud'.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Problemas para los comercios locales.

El pasaje indica que 'Los comercios a su alrededor sufrían las consecuencias de esta quietud'.

/ 66 correct

Perfect score!

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