Translation guide
The English word 'occupied' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: being busy, a room/toilet being in use, a seat being taken, and a place being under military control. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
To say that you are busy doing something and cannot do something else right now.
Literally 'can't let go of my hands', meaning you are occupied with a task and cannot attend to something else. Very natural and common.
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.
Means you are busy or tied up with something, often used when someone visits or calls unexpectedly. Slightly formal.
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'm occupied at the moment, so please wait a moment.
General word for 'busy'. Can be used to say you are occupied, but is broader than just being occupied with a specific task.
今忙しいから、あとで話そう。
I'm busy right now, so let's talk later.
Literally 'my hands are full'. Used when you are physically holding something or very busy with a task. More literal than 手が離せない.
手がふさがっていて、ドアを開けられない。
My hands are full, so I can't open the door.
To indicate that a toilet stall or bathroom is currently being used.
Standard sign or phrase meaning 'in use' or 'occupied'. Used on toilet doors, etc.
トイレは使用中です。
The toilet is occupied.
Literally 'someone is inside'. Common spoken phrase to say a toilet is occupied.
誰か入っていますか？
Is someone in there? (Is it occupied?)
To say that a seat, table, or parking space is already taken by someone.
Means 'is occupied/taken' for seats, spaces, etc. Very common.
この席はふさがっていますか？
Is this seat occupied?
Literally 'is filled/buried'. Used for seats, slots, schedules being fully occupied.
今日の予約は全部埋まっています。
All the reservations for today are occupied.
Simple way to say 'there is someone (there)', implying the seat is taken.
そこ、人がいますよ。
That seat is occupied (there's someone there).
To describe a country or area that is controlled by a foreign military force.
Past participle of 占領する (to occupy militarily). Standard term.
その地域は敵軍に占領された。
The area was occupied by enemy forces.
Often used for occupation of buildings or specific facilities, sometimes by protesters or armed groups.
大学の建物が学生に占拠された。
The university building was occupied by students.
The verb 占領する (せんりょうする) means military occupation. Using it for a toilet or seat would sound very strange and aggressive. Use 使用中 or ふさがっている instead.
手が離せない specifically means you are occupied with a task and cannot stop. 忙しい is a general state of being busy. If someone asks you to do something and you are in the middle of a task, 手が離せない is more precise.