Translation guide
The English phrase 'be occupied' can refer to a place being in use, a person being busy, or a territory being under military control. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To say that a room, seat, toilet, or facility is currently being used by someone and is not available.
Standard sign or statement meaning 'in use' or 'occupied'. Commonly seen on toilet doors, meeting rooms, etc.
トイレは使用中です。
The toilet is occupied.
Literally 'is blocked/occupied'. Used for seats, rooms, phone lines, etc. Very common in spoken Japanese.
この席はふさがっていますか？
Is this seat occupied?
会議室は今ふさがっている。
The meeting room is occupied right now.
Literally 'someone is inside'. Used for toilets, changing rooms, etc. Very natural in casual conversation.
トイレに誰か入っています。
The toilet is occupied (someone is in there).
To say that someone is busy doing something and cannot be disturbed.
Literally 'cannot free one's hands'. Means you are occupied with a task and cannot attend to something else. Very natural.
今手が離せないので、後で電話します。
I'm occupied right now, so I'll call you later.
General word for 'busy'. Can be used when you are occupied with work or other activities.
Means 'to be busy with something', often used in business settings or when someone is tied up with a task.
ただいま取り込んでおりますので、少々お待ちください。
I am currently occupied, please wait a moment. (polite)
Literally 'have things to do'. Used when you are occupied with personal errands or tasks.
今日は用事があるので、行けません。
I'm occupied today, so I can't go.
To say that an area or building has been taken over by a military force.
Standard term for military occupation. Passive form of 占領する (to occupy).
その地域は敵軍に占領されている。
The area is occupied by enemy forces.
Often used for occupying a building or specific location, sometimes by protesters or armed groups.
大学の建物が学生に占拠されている。
The university building is occupied by students.
今忙しいので、ちょっと待ってください。
I'm occupied right now, please wait a moment.