Translation guide
The English word 'occupying' can refer to taking up space, time, or attention, as well as holding a position or place. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these meanings.
To say that something or someone is filling or using a physical area, such as a room, seat, or land.
Used when something occupies a certain amount of space, area, or proportion. Often used with percentages or portions.
Bookshelves occupy most of this room.
Means to block or fill up a space, often implying obstruction. Used for occupying a seat, doorway, or path.
Baggage is occupying the aisle.
To take up a position or occupy a spot, often with a sense of staking a claim. Casual and somewhat assertive.
The people who arrived earlier had occupied the good seats.
To say that an activity, thought, or task is using up someone's time or mental focus.
Also used for occupying time or a large part of one's life/thoughts. Often with words like 時間 (time) or 心 (mind).
Work occupies most of his life.
Literally 'time is taken', meaning to be occupied by something that demands time, often with a nuance of inconvenience.
Means 'can't free one's hands', used when you are occupied with a task and cannot do something else.
To say that someone holds a particular job, office, or status.
Used when someone assumes or occupies a position, such as a job or role. Often in the form 〜に就く.
He occupies the position of company president.
Can be used for occupying a rank or position, especially in competitive contexts.
A formal pattern meaning 'to be in the position of'. Suitable for official or written contexts.
He occupies the position of minister.
To say that a military force or group takes control of an area.
While 占める can mean 'occupy', it is not used for a person simply sitting in a chair. Use 座っている (sitting) or ふさぐ (blocking) instead. Saying 彼が椅子を占めている sounds unnatural.
He is occupying that chair. (natural)
占める is neutral and often used for proportions or large areas. ふさぐ implies filling a space to the point of obstruction or making it unavailable.
Furniture occupies half the room. (neutral)
Baggage is occupying (blocking) the entrance.
I'm so occupied with housework that I can't do my hobbies.
I'm occupied right now, so I'll call you later.
彼女はランキングのトップを占めている。
She occupies the top spot in the rankings.
The students occupied the university building.