Italian Phrase
Gli spogliatoi sono occupati.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the changing rooms are currently in use, so they are not free to enter. It can refer to any facility where people change clothes, such as a gym, swimming pool, or sports stadium.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone that the changing rooms are taken, for example when a friend asks if they can use them, or when you are looking for an available space at a sports centre.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Glispogliatoisonooccupati
Articolo determinativo 'gli'
Use 'gli' for masculine plural nouns that start with a vowel, 'z', 's' + consonant, or certain other clusters.
Verbo 'essere' al presente
'Sono' is the third‑person plural present of 'essere', used as a linking verb.
Participio passato come aggettivo
'Occupati' agrees in gender (masculine) and number (plural) with 'spogliatoi'.
🗨In Conversation
Scusa, i spogliatoi sono liberi?
Excuse me, are the changing rooms free?
No, gli spogliatoi sono occupati.
No, the changing rooms are occupied.
✕Common Mistakes
I spogliatoi sono occupati.
The article should be 'gli' because 'spogliatoi' is a masculine plural noun beginning with 's' + consonant.
Gli spogliatoi è occupato.
Verb and participle must agree in number; use 'sono' and 'occupati' for plural.
Gli spogliatoi sono occupato.
The participle must match the masculine plural noun, so it should be 'occupati'.
↔Alternatives
I spogliatoi sono pieni.
The changing rooms are full.
Le cabine sono occupate.
The cabins are occupied.
I bagni sono occupati.
The bathrooms are occupied.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, spogliatoi are usually gender‑separated and often sign‑posted with 'Uomini' and 'Donne'. When speaking to staff, keep a polite tone and use the formal 'Lei' if you don't know the person well. Also note that 'occupati' can describe both a physical space and a person who is busy.